Max Ojomoh Set for England Debut as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso Returns Against USA

Bath centre Max Ojomoh is set to make his England debut this Saturday as part of a starting XV that includes three uncapped players for the match against the United States in Washington DC. The 24-year-old, whose father Steve Ojomoh earned 12 caps for England in the 1990s, will take the field at inside centre alongside Harlequins' Luke Northmore.

Joining Ojomoh in earning their first England caps are Sale full-back Joe Carpenter and Gloucester second-row Arthur Clark. Meanwhile, Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns to the squad after serving a two-match ban for a high tackle in a pre-tour warm-up game against a France XV. Feyi-Waboso's comeback was delayed by a shoulder injury, but head coach Steve Borthwick included him in the tour despite his absence during England's recent victories over Argentina.

Only three players from England's second Test win against Argentina—Luke Northmore, Alex Coles, and captain George Ford—retain their starting positions. Leicester's Jack van Poortvliet will start at scrum-half, while Sale's Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour join Northampton's Curtis Langdon in the front row.

Guy Pepper, who impressed in two substitute appearances in Argentina, earns his first start, with Harlequins duo Chandler Cunningham-South and Alex Dombrandt completing the back row. Bristol hooker Gabriel Oghre, called up after injuries to Jamie George and Theo Dan, is expected to make his Test debut off the bench, alongside backs Charlie Atkinson and Oscar Beard.

"We know the USA will present a tough challenge," said Borthwick. "There's been a great spirit in the squad throughout this tour. The players have worked hard for each other and pushed standards every day. Those selected this weekend have earned their chance through their effort and attitude."

England have a perfect record against the United States, winning all seven of their previous encounters. Their most recent victory came in 2021 with a 43-29 win during a period when many first-choice players were with the British and Irish Lions.

The match will take place at Audi Field, a 20,000-capacity venue in Washington DC, which is also home to Major League Soccer's DC United. The city is among 27 locations vying to host matches during the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups, which will be held in the United States.

England Starting XV: Carpenter; Feyi-Waboso, Northmore, Ojomoh, Murley; Ford, Van Poortvliet; Rodd, Langdon, Opoku-Fordjour, Coles, Clark, Cunningham-South, Pepper, Dombrandt. Replacements: Oghre, Baxter, Davison, Hill, B Curry, Randall, C Atkinson, Beard.