This weekend’s England XV versus France XV match at Twickenham will be an important occasion for a number of reasons.
One of the most notable is the presence of five uncapped players in the England squad, giving the game an added sense of excitement and opportunity.
With several established England stars away on British and Irish Lions duty, the door has opened for fresh talent to step forward and show what they can do on the international stage.
None will be awarded with caps given that the game itself is uncapped, but it will provide them with a good taste of international rugby and could help them stake their claim as being potential starters in the Americas.
The five uncapped players in the England squad are Sale Sharks fullback Joe Carpenter, Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson, Bath flanker Guy Pepper, and from Harlequins, back row Jack Kenningham and centre Oscar Beard.
Of these, Carpenter, Atkinson, and Pepper are set to start against France, while Kenningham and Beard will come off the bench.
Joe Carpenter
Joe Carpenter has been a quietly consistent figure for Sale Sharks. He doesn’t always grab the headlines, but his reliability at fullback has been a real asset for his club.
He’s steady under the high ball, solid in defence, and capable of launching attacks when the opportunity arises.
His performances may have flown under the radar in a team full of talent, but they have not gone unnoticed by the England coaching staff. This match will give Carpenter the chance to show he can deliver on a bigger stage.
Seb Atkinson
At centre, Seb Atkinson brings a different kind of attention.
Not only has he impressed with his all-around game for Gloucester, but he also holds an intriguing fitness record.
Atkinson completed the Bronco fitness test, the demanding shuttle run used to assess endurance, in the fastest time ever recorded by a rugby player: four minutes and eight seconds.
His speed, stamina, and skill set make him a player worth watching as he makes his debut, and he will be hoping to bring the attacking flair that he has brought to Gloucester this season to international level.
Guy Pepper
Guy Pepper is another exciting name.
His rise to this point has been impressive, capped off by an outstanding season with Bath.
He played a key role in Bath’s Premiership title win and was named Player of the Match in the final against Leicester Tigers.
Pepper’s physicality and work rate stand out, especially in the breakdown.
He’s someone who thrives in big moments and will be eager to translate that form into his first outing for England.
Jack Kenningham & Oscar Beard
On the bench, Harlequins have provided two more uncapped players: Jack Kenningham and Oscar Beard.
Both bring energy and versatility. Kenningham, a back row player, is known for his work at the breakdown and solid defence. Beard, a centre like Atkinson, is comfortable both carrying the ball and defending.
While they won’t start the match, their involvement shows that England’s selectors are keen to develop squad depth by giving opportunities to younger and more inexperienced players.
This approach will be crucial this summer, with several senior players still tied up with the Lions.
The absence of those experienced internationals is what has created this window for emerging talent.
The Lions tour has pulled away some of England’s top players, not just for this game against France but also for the upcoming Tests against Argentina and the USA.
While it means England are missing some of their usual stars, it also means there’s room for others to step up.
Chance to Impress
That’s where Carpenter, Atkinson, Pepper, Kenningham, and Beard come in. This is their chance to impress the coaching staff and stake a claim for future selection once the Lions return.
It’s a scenario that benefits everyone. England get to test new players in real international conditions, the players themselves gain valuable experience, and fans get a glimpse of the next generation.
The challenge is significant; France is a strong opponent with a talented squad, but that only adds to the opportunity for these newcomers to show resilience, skill, and adaptability.
Joe Carpenter will be tested by the physicality and pace of international rugby, but his composure and reliability could be crucial for England, especially in field position and counterattacks.
Seb Atkinson’s fitness and skill make him a promising presence in the midfield, and he’ll need to use his speed and vision to help break down the French defence.
Guy Pepper’s energetic style and ability to win the ball will be important in the tight exchanges and open play alike.
Bench Power
Meanwhile, having Jack Kenningham and Oscar Beard ready on the bench means England can bring fresh legs and different options as the game unfolds.
Kenningham’s breakdown expertise and defensive work could be vital in the latter stages, and Beard’s ability to step in at centre adds flexibility.
All in all, this England squad highlights how the team is preparing for the future while managing the challenges of the Lions call-ups.
The uncapped players have been brought in not just to fill gaps but because they have earned their chance through consistent performances and potential.
How they perform this weekend will be closely watched, and it could mark the beginning of exciting international careers.
By Charlie Elliott
READ MORE: England XV vs France XV – Preview, Where to Watch and Match Details
