Tom Roebuck has been called up to replace the injured George Furbank for England’s remaining two Nations Championship fixtures against Fiji and Argentina.
Roebuck was a surprise omission from Steve Borthwick’s original 36-man squad after making three starts during the Six Nations, including in the final two matches against Italy and France.
The 25-year-old Sale wing impressed during the autumn only to suffer a broken toe and he made his comeback against Wales on February 14.
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 6, 2026
Furbank remains in Johannesburg after having his appendix removed on Friday, ruling him out off the 45-21 thumping by South Africa at Ellis Park that opened the July tour.
It is the latest setback to have struck the Harlequins-bound full-back after calf and concussion issues, as well as a fractured arm, prevented him from adding to his 14 caps since November 2024.
Furbank is due to leave hospital and return to the UK on Tuesday.
Full-back Freddie Steward is expected to be available for Saturday’s clash with Fiji at Hill Dickinson Stadium after missing the Springboks showdown because of a rolled ankle.
Cadan Murley’s shoulder injury remains under investigation, however, and he is a doubt to take on the Islanders, with head coach Steve Borthwick scheduled to name his team on Thursday.
Having overcome his hamstring issues, Alex Mitchell made his comeback as a second-half replacement for Jack van Poortvliet against the world champions and is contention to start.
The Liverpool showdown with Fiji will be the first time England have played in the north of the country since thumping Italy 37-0 at St James’ Park in 2019 and for Mitchell it will be the chance to return to his roots having begun his career in Sale’s academy.
“Going to Liverpool will be pretty special – it’s a new stadium and new fans. To try get some new fans up there would be really nice,” Mitchell said.