England’s head coach Steve Borthwick is considering resting captain Maro Itoje during the upcoming summer tour, provided he has sufficient lock options to face South Africa and Argentina in successive fixtures, with a match against Fiji in Liverpool in between. This approach comes as part of a broader effort to rebuild the team following a disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Fly-half George Ford, who will lead an England side against a France XV in Vannes on Thursday, emphasized the collective nature of leadership within the squad. Ford stressed that while Itoje remains captain, the responsibility is shared among senior players such as Jamie George, Ollie Chessum, and Ben Earl.

“Great leadership teams share responsibility and support each other,” Ford said. “We’ve reflected on past performances and recognize that the leadership group’s effectiveness directly influences how the team performs each weekend. Our focus is not just on preparation but also on how we respond during matches.”

Borthwick is expected to announce the touring squad on Monday, with eligible players from Premier League finalists Northampton Saints and Exeter Chiefs to be included. The match against the France XV will feature South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg coming off the bench. Although he will not be eligible to represent England in official Test matches until July 8—four days after the encounter with the Springboks—Janse van Rensburg is permitted to play in this non-Test fixture.

Ford welcomed the addition of Janse van Rensburg, noting the positive impact of his energy and determination in midfield. “Anyone who earns a call-up to play for England is clearly performing well,” Ford said. “This game serves as a valuable starting point for our summer schedule.”

England will face a strong French side that includes Bordeaux-Bègles Champions Cup winners Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere. The upcoming fixtures represent a critical phase as England looks to rebuild leadership and team cohesion ahead of challenging matches against world-class opposition.