England’s Elite Player Squad Analysis: Eight new names including Henry Pollock and Tom Willis

Steve Borthwick has named the 25 players awarded enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts for the 2025/26 season, marking a key moment in England‘s preparations for the next international cycle.

Drawn from the wider 50-player EPS group, this core selection will receive increased support and access to national team resources under the Men’s Professional Game Partnership (MPGP) agreement, a structure designed to strengthen collaboration between the RFU and Premiership clubs while ensuring the best possible conditions for England’s top players.

Of the 25 players, Henry Pollock, Tom Roebuck, Tom Willis, Ben Curry, Fin Baxter, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Heyes and Will Stuart have been added.

From exciting young prospects like Henry Pollock and Fin Baxter to familiar names such as George Ford, Maro Itoje, and Jamie George, the balance between experience and potential is clear.

In this piece, we take a closer look at the players included, examining what their selections mean in the broader context of England’s future, with a focus on the new inclusions.

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Henry Pollock

After a standout year with Northampton Saints and a stellar showing in the red of the British and Irish Lions, Henry Pollock takes another significant step in his career.

At just 20, his composure and dynamism have set him apart. This call-up reflects not just potential, but what he’s already shown at the top level.

He plays like someone with far more experience and has quickly become one of the most exciting young players in the English game.

Few players in the Premiership are as dominant under the high ball as Tom Roebuck.

His performances for Sale Sharks have been consistently strong, and while he hasn’t always been in the national spotlight, those who’ve followed his progress won’t be surprised by his inclusion.

He offers a powerful, reliable option on the wing and is still only 24. His best rugby may well be ahead of him.

Tom Willis

Often talked about as one of the most underrated back-rowers in English rugby, Tom Willis finally gets some proper recognition, many believe he’s long deserved.

He’s been a relentless presence in domestic rugby, offering physicality, smart carrying lines, and defensive strength. With England’s back row as competitive as ever, Willis’s selection shows how highly he’s rated.

Ben Curry

After an impressive summer tour of Argentina, Ben Curry has forced his way back into the picture. His work rate and physicality were second to none throughout that series, and in a highly competitive group of back-row options, he consistently stood out.

Notably, he kept Ted Hill out of the starting side, a selection many thought was a certainty, which says a lot about his influence and form.

Fin Baxter

It’s no surprise to see Fin Baxter included. His scrummaging ability has been a key part of his success with Harlequins, but he’s far from a one-dimensional prop.

His mobility and technical skill make him one of the most well-rounded young forwards in the country.

Luke Cowan-Dickie

Luke Cowan-Dickie adds experience at hooker.

While he wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders in Australia, even before his injury, there’s little doubt about his quality.

Known for his pinpoint lineout throwing and physicality, he also brings a strong presence off the field.

Elliot Daly

Injury may have disrupted his summer, but Elliot Daly showed during the Six Nations why he remains such a valuable asset.

His performance against France was a textbook example of his ability to rise to the occasion.

Daly’s versatility, experience, and knack for delivering big plays at key moments give England real depth across the backline.

Joe Heyes & Will Stuart

Among the front row, Joe Heyes has come into his own this season. His scrummaging against Argentina was particularly impressive, showing just how far he’s developed.

Alongside him as a prop selection, Will Stuart continues to show why he’s considered one of the more reliable players in the England squad. His inclusion is no surprise.

Henry Slade

A selection in the EPS that is a surprise is Henry Slade. The Exeter Chiefs centre has long been criticised for his lack of impact at Test level in recent years, with many seeing him as being on his way out with the emergence of quite a few talented players in his position.

One of those is Seb Atkinson, who starred in Argentina after Slade’s injury, and showed that there may be some selection headaches going forward for Borthwick.

Slade’s retention in the EPS reinforces the view of many fans that Borthwick does have his favourites and that squad selection isn’t always based entirely on merit.

Elsewhere in the retentions, the rest of the picks are pretty straightforward and won’t come as much of a shock to England supporters.

Notable Omissions

There have been a few notable omissions from the squad, though…

It’s been a tough few months for Theo Dan, who finds himself as the only player from last year’s England EPS squad not retained.

After a difficult summer tour in Argentina, it feels like he’s paying the price for performances that didn’t quite hit the mark.

England’s hooker options are strong but ageing, so there’s still a path back for him.

In some ways, this might be the break he needs; time away from the pressure of the international setup could give him space to grow and come back sharper.

Freddie Steward

For someone who’s been such a trusted figure under Steve Borthwick, the absence of Freddie Steward from the latest squad is slightly strange.

He’s been England’s go-to fullback for years, valued for his safe hands and solid positioning, but recent performances haven’t quite hit the same heights.

With Marcus Smith now getting more time in the 15 shirt, Steward may be slowly drifting out of favour. 

Still only 24, he’s got time, and probably another shot, to reclaim his place.

Seb Atkinson

After a standout season for Gloucester and an impressive debut in an England shirt, Seb Atkinson looked ready to push for a regular role.

At just 23, he’s already winning fans over with his confident running and sharp decision-making in midfield.

Many see him as a better option than more established centres like Slade, and it’s clear he brings real spark.

This exclusion feels more like a case of timing than talent. His upward trajectory is hard to ignore, and it’s likely only a matter of time before he’s back in the fold.

Sam Underhill

Despite being one of the standout performers against Argentina this summer, Sam Underhill has once again found himself on the outside looking in.

It’s not for lack of quality; his tackling, physicality, and work at the breakdown were immense, but more a reflection of England’s depth in the back row.

With Tom Curry back after a summer away with the Lions, there simply isn’t much room. Still, Underhill’s reliability and grit have never been in question.

He’s one of those players who always steps up when called upon, and this likely won’t be the last we see of him in an England shirt.

By Charlie Elliott

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