Steve Borthwick may still be shaping his England side, but the national coach is under growing pressure following England\u2019s underwhelming 2026 Six Nations campaign and could do with reinforcements as he looks to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
With scrutiny increasing around England\u2019s performances and long-term progress, the head coach will be eager to expand his options over the next 18 months. <\/p>\n
A mix of returning internationals, residency-qualified players and overseas stars potentially coming back into the selection frame means England\u2019s depth could improve significantly.<\/p>\n
Here are five players who could strengthen Borthwick\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n Hoskins Sotutu<\/p>\n Former All Blacks No.8 Hoskins Sotutu could become one of the most intriguing additions to England\u2019s player pool.<\/p>\n The powerful back-rower, who won 14 caps for New Zealand, is set to join Newcastle Red Bulls in the\u00a0Prem. Sotutu qualifies for England through his English mother and has not played for the All Blacks since 2022.<\/p>\n Under World Rugby regulations, players can switch nations after a three-year stand-down period if they qualify through birth or family heritage. That means Sotutu could soon become eligible to represent England from this summer.<\/p>\n A dynamic carrier with strong offloading ability and a proven try-scoring record from the base of the scrum, Sotutu would offer England a genuine Test-level option at No.8 should he choose Borthwick\u2019s side over Fiji, whom he also qualifies for through his father.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n