Jack Nowell is out injured… so will Eddie Jones hand a debut to rookie Ali Crossdale during busy autumn international schedule for England?
- Ali Crossdale could make a shock England debut under Eddie Jones this autumn
- Jack Nowell needs to have an operation on torn toe ligaments so will miss out
- Crossdale was in line to feature in the cancelled game against the Barbarians
England rookie Ali Crossdale could make a shock Test debut this autumn as fellow winger Jack Nowell will undergo surgery.
The Mail on Sunday understands that Crossdale, who has made only two Premiership starts for Saracens, was in line to feature in Sunday’s cancelled game against the Barbarians.
Eddie Jones did not name his team for the curtain raiser at Twickenham, but it is understood that Crossdale had started on the wing during training drills throughout the week.
Rookie Ali Crossdale (above) could make a shock Test debut for England this autumn
Jack Nowell (above) will be out for a long time as he will have an operation on toe ligaments
Crossdale came through the age group ranks alongside Ben Earl and Max Malins, but the early stages of the speedy winger’s career have been hindered by injuries.
The Barbarians fixture is usually used by England to blood new English talent but Crossdale, 22, could be given a second chance against Italy next week after impressing in the early camps.
Jones is set to announce his latest squad on Monday. The back-three has already taken a hit with Elliot Daly suffering from a shin injury — and now Nowell has joined the casualty list.
Nowell’s injury is a blow for Eddie Jones (above) whose England side face a busy autumn
It is understood Nowell will be sidelined for the bulk of the campaign as he will have an operation on torn ligaments in his toe.
He suffered the injury during Exeter’s victory over Toulouse last month, but delayed the surgery so he could feature in his club’s crucial European and Premiership finals.
