England captain Maro Itoje has expressed full confidence in his side’s ability as they begin their four-match autumn series against Australia at Twickenham. Following an intense pre-season and growing momentum from their summer tour, Itoje believes England are primed to showcase their power and purpose on home soil.
Itoje, who has returned refreshed after his British & Irish Lions commitments, was struck by the team’s speed and intensity in training. He highlighted the energy and hunger across the squad, describing the current group as one that believes “there’s no mountain we can’t climb.” The upcoming fixtures against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Argentina will provide a true test of that conviction.
England enter the series on a 10-match winning run and aim to stretch that further. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the autumn campaign serves as an important measure of progress. Itoje and his teammates are determined to turn narrow losses from last year into convincing wins, especially against an Australia side that has grown stronger under coach Joe Schmidt.
One emerging star is 22-year-old flanker Guy Pepper, whose performances have impressed senior players and coaches alike. Alongside fellow back-row talents Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, and Tom Curry, Pepper adds dynamism and intent to England’s breakdown play. Itoje praised his mentality and work ethic, predicting a bright international future.
The squad also boasts a crop of promising players aged 24 or under, including Tommy Freeman, Henry Arundell, and Fin Smith. With this young core blending with seasoned internationals, England appear to be building a strong foundation for the future.
Itoje has emphasized the need for physical dominance, saying the team must “show what we’re about” through aggression and intensity. The leadership of George Ford at fly-half, backed by experienced Lions on the bench, provides England with tactical stability and finishing power.
As the captain put it, England’s ambitions are clear: “There’s not a team we’re playing who I don’t think we can beat.” With belief and balance, Itoje and England aim to conquer every challenge this November and signal that their ascent towards 2027 has truly begun.
