Ojomoh Set for England Debut as Feyi-Waboso Returns to Face USA

 

By Gidion Ngenoh

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named a fresh-faced side to take on the United States this weekend in Washington, with several players in line for their international debuts and the exciting return of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso following a two-match suspension.

Among the new faces is 24-year-old centre Will Ojomoh, son of former England number eight Steve Ojomoh, who won 12 caps in the 1990s. Will will partner Harlequins’ Luke Northmore in midfield, as Borthwick continues to blend youth with experience on this summer tour.

Also set to win their first England caps are Sale Sharks full-back Joe Carpenter and Gloucester lock Arthur Clark. The trio headline a wave of new talent earning opportunities as England build toward future competitions.

One of the most anticipated returns, however, is that of Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. After serving a suspension for a high tackle in a warm-up match against a France XV — a match that also marked his return from a six-month shoulder injury — Feyi-Waboso is finally fit to feature. Although ruled out of England’s back-to-back wins over Argentina in recent weeks, Borthwick kept faith in the dynamic back and brought him along for the American leg of the tour.

“We know the USA will present a tough challenge,” said Borthwick. “There’s been a great spirit in the squad throughout this tour. The players have worked hard for each other and pushed standards every day. Those selected this weekend have earned their chance through their effort and attitude.”

In the starting XV, George Ford retains the captaincy and fly-half duties, with Alex Coles and Luke Northmore the only others who started the second Test win over Argentina in San Juan. Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet returns to the lineup, while the front row features Sale's Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour flanking Northampton hooker Curtis Langdon.

In the back row, Guy Pepper earns his first England start after catching the eye with strong performances off the bench in Argentina. He joins Harlequins duo Chandler Cunningham-South and Alex Dombrandt to complete a powerful loose forward trio.

On the bench, Bristol hooker Gabriel Oghre is set to make his Test debut, having been called up after Jamie George’s Lions selection and an injury to Theo Dan. Young backs Charlie Atkinson and Oscar Beard could also make their first appearances in the white jersey.

England have dominated the USA in their rugby history, winning all seven previous meetings. Their most recent clash came in 2021, a 43-29 win during a British and Irish Lions window similar to this summer.

The Eagles, ranked 16th in the world, will be hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 31-24 home defeat to Spain last weekend. The match will be staged at the 20,000-seat Audi Field in Washington, D.C., a city among 27 bidding to host matches during the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups in the U.S.

Kick-off promises a showcase of emerging English talent and an opportunity for Borthwick’s side to end the tour on a high — while the USA will be looking to restore pride and deliver a statement ahead of their home World Cup aspirations.