England Bring Back Furbank, Chessum and Atkinson for All Blacks Clash

England have recalled three players from injury for Saturday's match against New Zealand. George Furbank, Ollie Chessum and Seb Atkinson were all named in England's 36-man squad on Sunday.

All three missed last Saturday's 78-15 win over Japan. Furbank was out with a groin problem. Chessum, England's vice-captain and the deputy to captain Maro Itoje, was sidelined by a shoulder injury. Atkinson, an inside-centre (the midfield back who usually partners the fly-half), had a groin complaint.

Furbank last played for England against Australia, his first appearance for the team in two years. England managed without him against Japan, and still ran in 13 tries, according to the RFU's own news page. Will Joseph scored five of them.

The match is part of the Nations Championship, the international competition running through the autumn. England are chasing a fifth successive win in it. New Zealand arrive with problems of their own. They lost to Wales last weekend, their first defeat against Wales in 73 years. They have also changed coach, with Scott Robertson sacked and replaced by Dave Rennie.

England have history on their side, though not a long run of it. Last year they beat New Zealand 33-19, their first home win over the All Blacks since 2012, according to The Guardian. Itoje has beaten New Zealand three times. Two of those wins came with England and one with the British & Irish Lions.

For England, the return of three experienced players gives them more options in the squad. Whether all three are fit enough to start is a question the coaches will answer closer to kick-off. What is clear is that the squad has more choice than it did a week ago, and that New Zealand, with a new head coach and a fresh defeat behind them, will be keen to make a strong start.