Slade to Start Against Argentina in First Test

Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade has been named to start for England against Argentina in the first test of their 2025 summer tour.

England men’s head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to play the Pumas at Estadio UNO in La Plata on Saturday 5 July (kick-off 8.40pm BST).

George Ford will co-captain the side alongside Jamie George. The match marks a significant milestone for Ford, who is set to win his 100th England cap, having made his debut during the 2014 Six Nations Championship against Wales.

The starting XV includes two debutants with Seb Atkinson starting at centre and Will Muir on the wing. Among the replacements, back-row forward Guy Pepper is in line to win his first cap from the bench.

“We’re excited to be playing in Argentina and to test ourselves against a strong, in-form side,” said Borthwick.

“Having beaten the British & Irish Lions in Dublin, they come into this series as favourites. They’re brilliantly led by Julián Montoya, and we know it will be a huge challenge.”

On George Ford’s milestone, Borthwick added:

“George has been a standout player for over a decade. Reaching 100 caps is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks volumes about both the professional and the person he is. Everyone in the squad is incredibly proud to share this moment with him.”

England:

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 36 caps)

14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 4 caps)

13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 72 caps)

12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped)

11. Will Muir (Bath Rugby, uncapped)

10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 99 caps) – co-captain

9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 8 caps)

1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 11 caps)

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 101 caps) – co-captain

3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)

4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)

5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)

6. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 11 caps)

7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 40 caps)

8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 6 caps)

Replacements:

16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 17 caps)

17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)

18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 1 cap)

19. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 15 caps)

20. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, uncapped)

21. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps)

22. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 18 caps)

23. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 1 cap)