England injury news: Borthwick hopeful over Chessum, Furbank and Atkinson

England head coach Steve Borthwick hopes Seb Atkinson, Ollie Chessum and George Furbank will all be in contention to face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 21 November.

All three missed the 78-15 win over Japan after picking up knocks against Australia the previous weekend. A much-changed England side still ran in 13 tries without them, with Will Joseph scoring five.

England rugby injury news: Borthwick’s update

Atkinson has a hip problem, Chessum a shoulder issue and Furbank a groin injury. Borthwick sounded positive when asked about them after the Japan Test.

“Progressing well,” he told the Evening Standard, in comments carried by AOL. “They all ran yesterday [Friday] on an individual basis to the levels they can. We’re still hopeful that they’ll be able to be in contention for selection next week.”

That update confirms individual running, not a return to full team training. Their availability for the New Zealand Test has not been confirmed.

Who is still missing for England?

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out for the rest of the autumn with an ankle injury, suffered in a hip-drop tackle from Wallabies prop Angus Bell. Tom Curry and Alex Mitchell remain long-term absentees.

Borthwick made 10 changes for the Japan game. You can follow the latest England rugby squad news on Dave.

Itoje and Jones expect a response from New Zealand

England go into the game on a run of four straight wins. New Zealand arrive after losing 35-28 to Wales in Cardiff, their first defeat to the Welsh since 1953.

“It will be a huge step up,” said captain Maro Itoje. “New Zealand are a world-class team. We’ve had some great battles with them over the years. They’re right up there with the toughest teams to play.”

Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who led England to the 2019 World Cup final, gave his old side a blunt warning.

“They’re violent after losing,” he said. “Very violent, very physical. They’ll be massively disappointed with their performance against Wales. New Zealand will be back to their old selves next weekend: hard, tough and physical around the breakdown.”

Why the All Blacks game matters

England, Ireland and France are all chasing the one Northern Hemisphere place in the Nations Championship final at Twickenham on 29 November. England have 20 points, level with Ireland and one behind France.

The next step for Borthwick is seeing whether Atkinson, Chessum and Furbank come through training this week and are fit to be considered for selection.

For more from the autumn Tests, head to our international rugby hub.

England rugby injury news: FAQ

Will Ollie Chessum, George Furbank and Seb Atkinson play against New Zealand?
Borthwick hopes all three can be considered for selection, but their availability has not been confirmed.

Who is injured for England?
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (ankle) is out for the rest of the autumn, and Tom Curry and Alex Mitchell are long-term absentees.

When do England play New Zealand?
Saturday 21 November at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.