Maro Itoje back but Sale duo snubbed in 36-man England squad

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 against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina but features in a 36-man group that will begin preparations for the autumn with a three-day camp starting on Sunday.

The Saracens second row is expected to resume as captain for the opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium on November 8, taking over from Jamie George who deputised in July.

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, it is understood that head coach Steve Borthwick wants to see how they bed back into the Gallagher Prem before deciding whether to include them in future squads.

Both players were part of the 2023 World Cup squad, with Lawes’ progress of particular interest given the experience and leadership he would bring to an England set-up that needs those assets.

Highly-rated prop Fin Baxter is back after a series of foot problems kept him out since December while exciting rookies Archie McParland and Kepueli Tuipulotu are included.

Scrum-half McParland looked set to tour during the summer only for a nasty 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 more established options at half-back but both are rehabbing with their clubs, giving McParland the chance to impress Borthwick.

Max Ojomoh (calf) and Noah Clauori (wrist) are unavailable, while Tom Roebuck’s selection for Sale on Sunday prevents him from being involved.

George and Ollie Chessum have joined up with England but are receiving treatment for respective groin and foot problems.