'We know he's fit' - Borthwick puts faith in Slade

After missing out on selection for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Slade has re-established himself as a key part of England's backline

Centre Henry Slade and flanker Tom Curry have recovered from injury to make England's 36-man squad for the autumn internationals, but first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell is out with a neck problem.

Slade had shoulder surgery after the summer tour to New Zealand and has not played for Exeter yet this season, while Sale's Curry made his return from a concussion lay-off in Friday's win over Newcastle.

Mitchell's absence means Ben Spencer, Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall are the three named scrum-halves.

Sale's George Ford will continue his rehabiltation from a torn quad muscle as part of the squad, with Marcus Smith and Fin Smith the other specialist stand-offs.

Elsewhere, Harlequins centre Luke Northmore replaces the injured Fraser Dingwall. The other midfield options are provided by Saracens' Alex Lozowski, hunting his first cap in six years, and Ollie Lawrence.

Back row Tom Willis fails to make the squad despite an impressive start to the season, but Tom Curry's twin brother Ben is included, along with Harlequins number eight Alex Dombrandt, who is on the way back from a broken hand.

Exeter's Ethan Roots and Northampton's Tom Pearson are left out after attending a three-day training camp earlier this month, along with Harlequins back Oscar Beard.

There is no place for Bristol pair Gabriel Ibitoye and Gabriel Oghre, and Bath back row Ted Hill's strong form has failed to force head coach Steve Borthwick's hand.

England begin their autumn campaign against New Zealand on 2 November, before matches against Australia, South Africa and Japan.

Slade in contention for Exeter return before autumn Tests

Slade's Exeter are yet to win a match in his absence this season

England and the Premiership clubs have agreed to work more closely over the conditioning of star players, with Borthwick given an increased say in their schedule.

This deal will be given one of its first tests as Borthwick and Exeter boss Rob Baxter discuss whether Slade can make a comeback for his club side away at Newcastle on Friday evening.

"We know Sladey's fit from the way he is running and covering that ground," Borthwick told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"That is a huge part of his game and one of his great strengths. As his shoulder has got stronger, he has returned to contact and he feels really confident.

"He has more than 60 Tests now, so he knows what it takes and needs to be back playing at the top level. So, a lot of trust and belief in him."

Slade and Lawrence were England's centre pairing for England's two narrow defeats, by one point and seven points respectively, against New Zealand in the summer.

They also started alongside each other in the final three matches of the Six Nations earlier in the year.

With Dingwall injured, England's other contenders for a midfield role have little experience, with Lozowski winning the most recent of his five caps in November 2018 and Northmore yet to make his international bow.

Borthwick 'disappointed and surprised' by Jones' exit

Felix Jones is now providing analysis remotely after a seven-month stint with England as defence coach

This autumn will provide the first test of a new-look England backroom staff, with defence coach Joe El-Abd in position after Felix Jones' resignation in August. Aled Walters, who had served as head of conditioning for England, switched to an equivalent role with Ireland two weeks before Jones departed.

Borthwick acknowledged that Jones' departure after only seven months had been a blow.

"Aled informed me of his decision, then Felix, a few days later, reflected and decided he wanted to go in a different direction," said Borthwick.

"I was disappointed and surprised by it, but in professional sport change happens."

Jones is being held to his 12-month notice period, working remotely to analyse opposition.

"Felix's presence in camp is not required because we have Joe, but one of Felix’s great strengths as a coach is analysing," added Borthwick.

"So he has assisted with the transition of Joe into our group and is also working hard from an analysis point of view previewing our opponent."

England’s 36-player squad:

Forwards

Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Dan Cole (Leicester), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).

Backs

Elliot Daly (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester)

Rehabilitation: George Ford (Sale)

Not considered for selection: Alex Coles (Northampton), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Will Muir (Bath), Max Ojomoh (Bath), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Bevan Rodd (Sale).