England’s coaching staff has established a high bar for Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant, stating that both players must perform "over and above" their peers during the first five weeks of the new Premiership season to earn a recall to the national squad. The two players, who last represented England during the 2023 World Cup, have recently joined the Sale Sharks following stints in France.

Courtney Lawes, 37, had previously announced his retirement from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup. After helping Northampton win the Premiership title, he spent two years playing for Brive in the French second division. Joe Marchant, 30, also returns to the English league with the stated ambition of re-establishing himself on the international stage.

The coaching staff’s directive suggests that while the door is not closed on their international futures, their selection is contingent upon demonstrating superior form compared to players who have remained in the English system. The requirement for them to prove themselves immediately reflects the competitive nature of the current squad and the coaches' desire to see consistent, high-level output in the domestic league before committing to international call-ups for the autumn fixtures.