England lost Jamie George, Ollie Lawrence and Tom Roebuck to injury ahead of Sunday’s autumn climax against Argentina at the Allianz Stadium.
Head coach Steve Borthwick is calculating the cost of a nail-biting 33-19 win over New Zealand, with all three of his starting pitchers ruled out of contention for the Pumas’ visit.
Hooker George and center Lawrence have hamstring problems, while wing Roebuck has foot problems, each injured against the All Blacks.
– England confidently crossed the line with historic victory over the All Blacks
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The further absences of lock Ollie Chetham and winger Tommy Freeman, who had already been ruled out with foot and hamstring injuries, mean England’s selection options have been significantly reduced as they bid for their 11th successive title.
Teenage sensation Noah Caruori was drafted into Borthwick’s training squad as wing cover, while the forwards were strengthened by the additions of hooker Jamie Blamire and lock Charlie Ewells.
Full-back Freddie Steward was sent off early in the game against New Zealand after his mouthguard alerted him to a possible concussion, but he has been cleared to play Sunday.
Steward failed the first head injury evaluation, but passed the second and third definitive diagnostic tests.
George’s injury meant Theo Dunne was given his first appearance of the autumn along with frontline hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie, but the Anglo-Irish Lion was used off the bench as part of the bomb squad.
Losing Lawrence will be a blow given his big performance against New Zealand, but the return of Elliot Daly, who suffered a fractured forearm, means England have an elite replacement.
The game against Argentina appears to be too early for the 19-year-old Caruoli to make his Test debut, with Henry Arundel and Kaydan Marley competing for the wing spot vacated by Roebuck.
Borthwick is expected to announce the team’s name on Friday, but this could be brought forward to Wednesday.