Captain Lawes missing from England squad as Jones prepares for Argentina test

Courtney Lawes will miss England’s autumn international opener with Argentina on Sunday after the captain was omitted from Eddie Jones’ squad.

The forward is continuing to struggle with symptoms following a head injury sustained in September, and had been mooted as a doubt for the match at Twickenham.

Ahead of England gathering for a pre-autumn camp in Jersey, Lawes had signalled his withdrawal, with his absence an expected one.

Regardless, his departure leaves questions over who will skipper the side, though Owen Farrell could take on the captaincy once more following his inclusion.

The back is continuing through return-to-play protocols himself and will go through the latter stages in camp.

Alongside Lawes, Lewis Ludlum misses out following an abdominal wall injury, with Sean Robinson called up to replace him.

Argentina are having to share head coach Michael Cheika in the run-up to this weekend’s match, as he juggles his responsibilities at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The former Wallabies boss is in charge of the Lebanon national team at the tournament in England, who face holders Australia in Huddersfield on Friday, two days before his Argentina side take to the pitch at Twickenham.

England squad: Joe Cokanasiga, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Owen Farrell, George Furbank, Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes, Jonny Hill, Maro Itoje, Will Joseph, Max Malins, Jonny May, George McGuigan, Cadan Murley, Jack Nowell, Tom Pearson, Guy Porter, Raffi Quirke, Val Rapava Ruskin, David Ribbans, Sean Robinson, Bevan Rodd, Sam Simmonds, Kyle Sinckler, Jack Singleton, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Hugh Tizard, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Jack Willis, Ben Youngs.