Maro Itoje has been named in England's first squad since the summer tour but Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant must prove themselves for Sale before being recalled. Itoje was rested for the Nations Championship games but features in a 36-man group preparing for the autumn, expected to resume as captain for the opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 8. Lawes and Marchant have become available for selection since returning from French clubs Brive and Stade Francais, respectively, after their moves across the Channel put their England careers on hold.

However, head coach Steve Borthwick wants to see how they bed back into the Gallagher Prem before deciding on future inclusion. Highly-rated prop Fin Baxter is back after foot problems while rookies Archie Mc Parland and Kepueli Tuipulotu are included. Scrum-half Mc Parland looked set to tour during the summer only for a leg wound sustained in Northampton's victory over Exeter in the Prem final to rule him out.

Alex Mitchell (hamstring) and Ben Spencer (shoulder) are rehabbing with their clubs, giving Mc Parland the chance to impress. Max Ojomoh (calf) and Noah Clauori (wrist) are unavailable, while Tom Roebuck's selection for Sale prevents him from being involved. George and Ollie Chessum are receiving treatment for groin and foot problems.