Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have received a stern warning from England coaches: they need to elevate their performances beyond those of their rivals in the initial five weeks of the new season to secure recalls to the national team this autumn.

Both players, who recently joined Sale after stints in France, expressed their desire to revive their international careers. Lawes, aged 37, last played for England during the 2023 World Cup and has since helped Northampton clinch the Prem title before spending two years at Brive in France's second tier. Meanwhile, Marchant, 30, transitioned from Stade Français to the north-west.

Despite their eligibility for selection, head coach Steve Borthwick has not included them in the pre-season camp. They are now under pressure to demonstrate their worth for the squad expected to be announced in late October.

Richard Wigglesworth, England's senior assistant coach, praised Lawes for his vast experience, calling him an “England legend” and expressed excitement about his return to the Prem. He noted, however, that both players must perform exceptionally well given the competition for places.

Lawes believes players based in France should remain eligible for selection, highlighting that some, like Jack Willis, currently miss out due to existing criteria. Wigglesworth views Lawes’s return as a positive move for England, emphasizing his determination to compete at the highest level.

In another update, captain Maro Itoje has rejoined the squad after being rested during summer fixtures against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina due to fatigue from the Six Nations. Attack coach Lee Blackett confirmed that Itoje appears rejuvenated and eager to contribute.