Autumn Nations Series: England select uncapped Asher Opoku-Fordjour for Australia clash after Joe Marler retirement
By Matt Jones
Published 03/11/2024 at 22:11 GMT
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England have added Asher Opoku-Fordjour and Charlie Ewels to their squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series clash against Australia. The match at Twickenham takes place on Saturday, November 9, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The pair replaced Joe Marler, who has retired, and Bath lock Ted Hill, in a 36-man squad named by head coach Steve Borthwick.
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Steve Borthwick has handed a first senior England call-up to Sale Sharks star Asher Opoku-Fordjour, which comes in the wake of Joe Marler's international retirement.
The 34-year-old Marler called time on his Red Roses career this weekend, just days after causing controversy by posting on social media that "the Haka needs binning".
Marler's retirement has opened the door for 20-year-old Opoku-Fordjour, who has represented his country at Under-20 level.
He forms part of a 36-man squad for next Saturday's Autumn Nations Series clash with Australia at Twickenham, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
England will use the game as a chance to bounce back from Saturday's 24-22 defeat to New Zealand.
George Ford missed a drop goal at the death, which would have handed the hosts a famous win. Instead, they were left licking their wounds after a third successive defeat to the All Blacks.
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In the aftermath of that clash, England coach Borthwick has made one further change to his squad, with Charlie Ewels also back in the international fold.
The lock comes in for fellow Bath forward Ted Hill, and will be looking to win just his second cap since 2022.
Exciting Opoku-Fordjour
England still have three games to go in their Autumn Nations Series, with further matches to come this month against South Africa and Japan.
They are building towards next year's Six Nations, as well as the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
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The upcoming fixtures could provide Opoku-Fordjour with the chance to make his international bow.
He has impressed for club side Sale, where he has played at tighthead.
But he also comes with a terrific pedigree from an international point of view, having helped England win the U20 World Cup earlier this year, beating France in the final.
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Stream the 2024 Autumn Nations Series on TNT Sports and discovery+
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