Autumn Nations Series: George Furbank, Tom Curry start as England make two changes to face Japan in November finale

England finish their Autumn Nations Series campaign by facing Eddie Jones' Japan at the Allianz Stadium. England have lost their last five matches in a row, and have made two changes against Japan with George Furbank and Tom Curry starting the match, while George Ford drops out of the matchday squad. England were beaten by world champions South Africa last time out.

England have made two changes to their starting XV to face Japan in their final Autumn Nations Series match at the Allianz Stadium, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Steve Borthwick’s side are without a win in the competition and have lost their last five matches in a row.

George Furbank and Tom Curry come into the team in place of Freddie Steward, who drops out of the squad entirely, and Chandler Cunningham-South - who is on the bench.

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Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 20, could earn his first England senior cap from the bench.

Elsewhere, George Ford misses out on the matchday squad and is replaced among the substitutes by Fin Smith.

"We anticipate a tough challenge from a team that thrives on playing fast and with tempo," said Borthwick.

"Japan are a dangerous team so it’s important that we execute our game plan and maintain focus throughout the full 80 minutes."

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England have suffered tight defeats to New Zealand, Australia and world champions South Africa in their Autumn campaign so far.

In all three matches, England have been ahead, but they have been unable to seal victory - surrendering leads in the dying moments against the All Blacks and Wallabies.

Borthwick's side will start as favourites to end their losing streak against Eddie Jones’ Japan, who are ranked at No. 13 in the world.

Jones spent seven years in charge of England from 2015-2022, taking them to the 2019 World Cup final. He was sacked December 2022 following a poor run of results.

Highlights: South Africa pile misery on England by inflicting hosts' fifth straight Test loss

Video credit: TNT Sports

England team to face Japan:

Starting XV: George Furbank, Tommy Freeman, Ollie Lawrence, Henry Slade, Ollie Sleightholme, Marcus Smith, Jack van Poortvliet, Ellis Genge, Jamie George (c), Will Stuart, Maro Itoje, George Martin, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Fin Baxter, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Nick Isiekwe, Chandler Cunningham-South, Harry Randall, Fin Smith, Tom Roebuck
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Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

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