Owen Farrell to be left out of England squad for autumn internationals

Owen Farrell is not expected to play any part in England’s autumn internationals but the door will remain open for a possible return to the team before the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Telegraph Sport understands that Farrell, 34, will not be named in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the matches against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina next month.

Borthwick is set to announce a training squad on Sunday for a two-day camp at the start of next week, before finalising his squad on October 26, six days before the opening game against Australia.

Farrell, who returned to Saracens from Racing 92 this season, is available for selection now that he is playing back in the Prem and has made an impressive start to the campaign following his call-up as an injury replacement on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.

However, having stepped away from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup in France, it is understood he intends to continue focusing on enjoying his rugby with his club after a troubled season in France last year.

Speaking about the prospect of a return to the international stage last month, Farrell, the former England captain who has won 112 caps and is his country’s leading points scorer, said: “I’m still in the same place. I want to make sure I’m loving what I’m doing here. I am wary of talking about it because you have to play well. I am determined to make the most out of my time here and see where it takes me.”

With George Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith all competing strongly for the No 10 shirt, there is an awareness that Farrell will first have to demonstrate consistent form to come under consideration for a return to the national side. Farrell has so far worn the No 12 shirt since returning to Saracens, with Scotland international Fergus Burke starting at fly-half.

Yet significantly, the door appears to have been left open should Farrell indicate that he is keen to return and backs it up with strong club form.

He would be 36 by the start of the World Cup in Australia but his vast experience and ability to play fly-half and inside centre could prove to be valuable attributes if he remains in good form and fitness.

Maro Itoje, the England and Lions captain, told Telegraph Sport earlier this month that Farrell “makes any team better”.

“That’s going to be for him and the others to decide but I think he’s such a quality player,” said Itoje. “When he came to the Lions, I automatically felt he was so willing and able to support me with his time, with his thoughts, about how we can move the team forward in a team-first sort of way, which I found really admirable.

“He’s just an impressive guy. I just wish the best for him. I want the best for English rugby. I have a bit of a vested interest in that. So whatever that is, let it come to pass. I think the quality is still there for sure.”

[Source: Daily Telegraph]