England "Cautiously Optimistic" Fin Smith Will Face Australia After Full Training Return

England are cautiously optimistic that Fin Smith will be fit to face Australia on Sunday after the fly-half came through his first full training session since injuring his calf. Smith trained fully alongside his team-mates on Wednesday, his first complete session since hurting his calf on Northampton duty against Leicester on October 24, and suffered no setbacks. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed the news, saying Smith trained and got through all right and that England are cautiously optimistic he will be available for selection. Head coach Steve Borthwick names his team on Friday, giving Smith one more training session to prove his readiness for the Nations Championship opener at Allianz Stadium. Smith wrestled the No. 10 jersey back from George Ford during the last two rounds of the Six Nations and has started England's past five Tests there. Ford and Marcus Smith are the alternatives, with whoever plays partnering Jack van Poortvliet at half-back after Alex Mitchell was ruled out for the entire campaign with his fourth hamstring issue of 2026. Smith's return would be a major boost for an England side opening a defining November.