Henry Slade makes a significant return to the starting line-up for England as they prepare to face Fiji on Saturday. After not participating in England's Six Nations campaign earlier this year, Slade's inclusion highlights head coach Steve Borthwick's efforts to reverse a troubling trend of five consecutive Test defeats.

At 33 years old, Slade expressed frustration over his absence from the midfield but concluded the domestic season strongly, leading Exeter to the Premiership final. His return allows Tommy Freeman from Northampton to revert to his preferred wing position, ending a year-long experiment as an outside centre.

Other changes to the starting XV include Guy Pepper, who steps in for Tom Curry at openside flanker. Additionally, three uncapped players—Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori, and George Kloska—are set to make their Test debuts from the bench.

Slade was a late addition to the matchday squad against South Africa last Saturday, where he came off the bench after George Furbank was sidelined due to appendicitis. England suffered a heavy 45-21 defeat, but the same backline that ended that match will start against Fiji.

Borthwick emphasized the team’s preparation, stating, "We've had a really positive week of preparation, and the players have worked hard in training. We know Fiji will provide a tough challenge. They are a dangerous side who will demand the very best from us."

England's recent losses in the Six Nations included defeats by Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and France. With Rugby Football Union officials backing Borthwick through the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the pressure mounts as the team aims to avoid a sixth Test loss. England will also face Argentina on 18 July in their final summer match of the new Nations Championships.

England's Starting XV: M Smith; Freeman, Slade, Atkinson, Feyi-Waboso; F Smith, van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Heyes, Coles, Martin, Chessum, Pepper, Earl.