England Prepares for Autumn Internationals Following Slade's Return

In the lead-up to the autumn internationals, England rugby player Henry Slade has returned to fitness after recovering from shoulder surgery. He made his season debut during Exeter's match against Harlequins, where they suffered a 36-19 defeat. Despite having played less than 24 hours prior, Slade attended England's training session, signaling his eagerness to contribute to the team as they prepare to face New Zealand at Allianz Stadium. His role as outside centre is crucial, particularly in their defensive strategies. The selection for the match against New Zealand becomes more complex due to Ollie Chessum's knee injury, which will sideline him for the first match and possibly for the entire autumn series. This injury affects the team's configuration, especially in the back row, where Sam Underhill is a potential replacement alongside Tom Curry. With the team announcement expected soon from head coach Steve Borthwick, he faces multiple decisions regarding player fitness and positions. The competition at scrum-half is also intense, as Ben Spencer, Harry Randall, and Jack van Poortvliet vie for a spot on the team. Borthwick's strategic choices will significantly influence the outcome of the match against the formidable All Blacks on Saturday. Overall, the current dynamics within the England squad showcase a blend of returning talents and emerging challenges as they gear up for a crucial series of games during the Autumn Nations Series.