Slade back in England XV for must-win game with Fiji

Centre Henry Slade, who did not play an infinitesimal of England's Six Nations run earlier this year, has been recalled to the starting line‑up to face Fiji on Saturday as head coach Steve Borthwick seeks to avoid a sixth successive Test defeat. Slade, 33, acknowledged his frustration at being omitted from England’s midfield combination. He concluded the domestic campaign in excellent form, guiding Exeter to the Premiership final. His return means Northampton’s Tommy Freeman resumes his more familiar centre role after a year‑long trial at outside centre. Guy Pepper replaces Tom Curry at openside flanker, the other alteration to the starting XV. The uncapped trio of Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Noah Caluori and George Kloska are set to earn their first Test caps from the bench. England: M Smith; Freeman, Slade, Atkinson, Feyi‑Waboso; F Smith, van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Heyes, Coles, Martin, Chessum, Pepper, Earl. Replacements: Cowan‑Dickie, Opoku‑Fordjour, Kloska, Curry, Pollock, Mitchell, Janse van Rensburg, Caluori.