Scrum-half
Ben Spencer
Harry Randall
Jack Van Poortvliet
Alex Mitchell is out due to a neck injury but England still have strong options at the position. Jack Van Poortvliet was on course to start for Steve Borthwick in last year's world cup but has since dropped down the rankings, largely due to the performance of Mitchell. However, the shoe is now on the other foot so Van Poortvliet now has a good opportunity to stake a claim for his place in the team. Ben Spencer has been a crucial part of the Bath team for the last few seasons and is very unlucky to not have more England caps. Harry Randall could perhaps fulfil the Danny Care role of an exciting and electric scrum-half to come off of the bench.
Fly-half
Marcus Smith
Fin Smith
George Ford
Marcus Smith seems to have been given the reins for the moment and has shown he is capable of being the England fly-half. His flair is also crucial to England's expanding attacking style. Fin Smith has been great for Northampton for the last two seasons but is a victim of England's depth at the position. George Ford has just about recovered from injury so can provide experience from the bench in crucial situations.
Centre
Ollie Lawrence
Henry Slade
Alex Lozowski
Luke Northmore
Fraser Dingwall is unavailable for selection due to injury but was not guaranteed to be in the squad regardless. England still have issues with finding a natural inside centre so Ollie Lawrence will likely remain in the #12 shirt. Luke Northmore could also cover that position but is comfortably the second choice. Alex Lozowski may have been in line to start against New Zealand before Henry Slade proved his fitness by playing for 54 minutes for Exeter against Harlequins. Speaking of Harlequins, a potential name to watch out for at inside centre is Lennox Anyanwu who has been in great form so far this season, doing an admirable job of replacing Andre Esterhuizen up to this point. Lozowski can join Ben Spencer on the list of players who should probably have had more England caps up to now. I expect the usual combination of Lawrence and Slade to remain for now.
Back three
Tommy Freeman
Emmanuel Feyi-waboso
Elliot Daly
Ollie Sleightholme
George Furbank
Freddie Steward
Freeman, Feyi-waboso, and Furbank will likely remain as the starting back three. Daly remains in the squad due to his versatility and Sleightolme will likely get game time against Japan or Australia. George Furbank has become an important part of this team and is crucial to England's style of play. Freddie Steward has had a good season, including his game against Northampton in which he dominated Furbank. Furbank being selected ahead of Freddie Steward has more to do with style than anything else.
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