England’s dominant 45-22 victory over Australia has been overshadowed by a severe injury blow, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso confirmed to miss the remainder of the Nations Championship due to an ankle injury. The loss of the star wing is the most critical setback for Steve Borthwick’s squad, as it strips the team of a primary attacking threat just days before their pivotal showdown with Japan on Saturday. Feyi-Waboso’s absence forces the coaching staff to rethink their backline strategy for the final three fixtures of the autumn series.
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The medical update reveals a broader wave of injuries that will decimate England’s starting lineup, with Seb Atkinson, Ollie Chessum, and George Furbank also ruled out for the Japan match due to hip, shoulder, and groin issues respectively. These four players were all starters in the crushing win over the Wallabies, meaning England will field a significantly altered side that lacks the depth and experience previously relied upon. The cumulative effect of these absences places immense pressure on the remaining squad members to step up and maintain momentum in the championship.
Adding to the concern, Tom Curry has been stood down for the remaining three fixtures after aggravating a long-standing hip problem during training last week. While Curry’s issue is separate from the match-day injuries, his exclusion further limits Borthwick’s options in the back three. With four key personnel unavailable, England must now rely on bench players to fill the gaps, a significant challenge as they aim to secure a strong finish to the Nations Championship against a formidable Japanese side.
Source: The Independent Sport
