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England have called up rising star Asher Opoku-Fordjour to replace Joe Marler in Steve Borthwick’s squad after the prop confirmed his retirement from international rugby.
Marler called time on his Test career after winning 95 England caps days after leaving camp for personal reasons ahead of the defeat to the All Blacks at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
He was replaced in a group of 36 players to prepare for the match against Australia by a young player from Opoku-Fordjour who has made great progress in the last two years.
The Sale Sharks front row played a key role in England’s World Under-20 Championship triumph in South Africa this summer, and was praised by Marler after the pair faced off in the Premiership last season.
Oddly enough, Opoku-Fordjour can play both sides of the scrum – while most of his club rugby has been one-on-one, he has been considered by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to be a one-on-one. head to head. The prop said The Independent in May that he prefers tight heads.
“I know I’m still at the beginning of my career, but I want to do everything,” Opoku-Fordjour emphasized. “I want to play for the British and Irish Lions and I want to play for England. That’s what all kids want to do and it’s the same for me.
“But I’m just going to have to keep pushing myself and see where I can get.” I need to gain weight and hopefully I can get stronger and fitter. I absolutely have to do it to reach the top. I don’t really know what my ceiling is.
Lock Charlie Ewels also returns to Borthwick’s squad in place of his Bath team-mate Ted Hill. England face Australia at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday before taking on South Africa and Japan at the venue later in November.
