England line-up North America tour next summer with head coach Eddie Jones keen to test young stars against the USA and Canada
- Jones’s side due to visit Washington DC or New York at the end of the season
- A number of leading players are expected to be in South Africa with the Lions
- England are set to face Canada on July 3 and take on the Eagles seven days later
England are on course to face the USA in Washington DC or New York next summer, as the prospect of a Covid vaccine has allowed the home nations to press ahead with tour plans.
Eddie Jones’s side are due to visit North America at the end of this season, at the same time as a number of their leading players are in South Africa with the Lions. Sportsmail understands England will face Canada on July 3 and take on the Eagles seven days later.
The expedition across the Atlantic will provide a valuable opportunity for Jones to assess emerging talent.
The expedition across the Atlantic will provide a valuable opportunity for coach Eddie Jones
In the past, England have tended to visit Argentina in Lions years, but this time Wales are due to play two Tests against the resurgent Pumas in South America. Ireland are scheduled to play in the Pacific Islands while Scotland will be in action against Georgia and Romania.
Meanwhile, England could recall prop Joe Marler as they prepare for ‘distractions and disruptions’ against Wales on Saturday.
Marler has not played a Test since before the first lockdown, when he was banned for handling the genitals of Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones. England’s 25-man squad also includes Luke Cowan-Dickie, Anthony Watson and Jack Willis.
Centre Ollie Lawrence misses out with a hip injury. England defence coach John Mitchell said: ‘Wales target people. They look to create distractions. We’re ready for anything.’
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