Johnson - We've strength in depth

Manager backing skipper Borthwick

Last updated: 26th October 2009  

Johnson - We've strength in depth

Johnson: tough games

Watch the Investec Challenge Series matches against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand live on Sky Sports 2 and HD2

Related links

Teams

Also see

England manager Martin Johnson is keen for England's new-look squad to grasp their opportunity in the autumn internationals.

Johnson has been forced to make wholesale changes by a crippling injury list that has robbed England of seven guaranteed starters and one of their replacements in Julian White.

Props Andrew Sheridan, Phil Vickery and White, hooker Lee Mears, openside Tom Rees, number eight Nick Easter, centre Riki Flutey and full-back Delon Armitage have been ruled out for the entire series.

Fly-half Toby Flood is also unavailable for all three Tests, while scrum-half Harry Ellis, full-back Olly Morgan and Shaw remain in the treatment room.

England face Tests on successive Saturdays against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Skipper

Saracens lock Steve Borthwick has been confirmed as skipper for the series, which opens against the Wallabies at Twickenham on November 7.

"The whole squad is looking forward to three very tough games in November," said Johnson.

"Steve has been appointed captain and I'm sure he will continue to do an excellent job.

"We've had to make a number of changes to the senior EPS because of injuries but we have strength in depth.

"Each of the players coming in has the opportunity to push themselves into contention for the opener against Australia."

Click Here for Your Free Bet