England wing Tommy Freeman has described the squad as “great” ahead of Steve Borthwick’s announcement.

Freeman is one of the first names on the teamsheet and it would be a major shock if he was not named later today, before the group fly to Girona for a warm-weather training camp.

“It’s a great squad,” he told The Guardian. “The same faces, which is always good. You’re around similar people, playing what you’re used to, and really getting to know the connections with those players.

“It’s an awesome place to go with the facilities and everything: it’s the top of the top and you’re with the best players in the country.

“Something England have improved massively from when I first went in is the ability to switch off: things are going on, darts and bits and pieces. I can’t wait.”