England's Autumn Internationals 2024: Matches Against Top Teams
- England will host New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan in the Autumn Nations Series at Twickenham this November.
- Key player Alex Mitchell is currently sidelined with a neck issue, raising concerns about his availability for the matches.
- The series offers England a chance for redemption against New Zealand and South Africa after previous defeats.
In November 2024, England will face formidable opponents in the Autumn Nations Series, hosting New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan at Twickenham. The matches are particularly significant as England seeks redemption against New Zealand, following a 2-0 series defeat during their summer tour, and against South Africa, who narrowly defeated them in the World Cup semi-finals last year. The fixtures are scheduled for November 2, 9, 16, and 24, with all matches broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Head coach Steve Borthwick is closely monitoring the fitness of scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who is currently sidelined due to a neck issue. Mitchell has been a key player for England, and his absence could impact the team's performance. In his stead, Ben Spencer, the captain of Bath, is available as a backup, having previously supported Mitchell during the summer Tests. The predictions for the matches suggest a mixed outcome for England. They are expected to secure a victory against New Zealand, with a predicted score of 23-19, leveraging their home advantage. However, the match against South Africa is anticipated to be more challenging, with predictions favoring the Springboks at 21-15. Overall, the Autumn Internationals present a crucial opportunity for England to assert themselves against top-tier rugby nations, aiming to build momentum and confidence ahead of future competitions. The outcomes of these matches will be pivotal in shaping the team's trajectory moving forward.