​England will push to end their losing streak as they prepare to take on Fiji in the second round of the Nations Championship. A defeat in Johannesburg to South Africa extended Steve Borthwick’s side’s run of losses to five, intensifying scrutiny on the head coach and his squad. There are signals that Saturday could prove just as challenging, given Fiji’s ability to push Wales hard in Cardiff, even if their performance there was not up to standard. The Pacific Islanders will be playing their three “home” fixtures this July in the United Kingdom, and this particular match is staged at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, the city hosting Fiji’s matches as part of their UK tour.
Fiji vs England is scheduled to kick off at 2.10pm BST on Saturday 11 July. For fans in the United Kingdom, live television coverage is available on ITV1, with pre-game and build-up beginning at 1.20pm BST. People who prefer streaming can watch via ITVX, which will offer a live stream of the match.
Fiji arrive with a wealth of back-row experience and quality, anchored by Peceli Yato and Levani Botia, two seasoned players who bring complementary skill sets to the loose forwards. In the pack, Mesake Doge returns at tighthead prop, while Caleb Muntz is preferred at fly-half over Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Although Semi Radradra is not part of the lineup, Fiji still field a backline with plenty of flair and pace, featuring Kalaveti Ravouvou at inside the backline alongside Josua Tuisova in the centres. The bench includes a substantial forward pack depth, with six forwards listed among the substitutes.
Fiji XV: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (capt.), 3 Mesake Doge; 4 Tevita Ratuva, 5 Isoa Nasilasila; 6 Peceli Yato, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 8 Levani Botia; 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 10 Caleb Muntz; 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 14 Vuate Karawalevu; 15 Salesi Rayasi. Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Temo Mayanavanua, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Pita Gus Sowakula; 22 Frank Lomani, 23 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
England, meanwhile, are making measured changes to their lineup rather than wholesale disruption, in a bid to arrest the tide of defeats. Tom Freeman moves from the midfield to the wing following Cadan Murley’s injury, with Henry Slade restored to a central role after impressive form for Exeter. Guy Pepper is preferred at openside, ahead of Tom Curry, while Asher Opoku-Fordjour demonstrates his versatility by covering loosehead after covering tighthead in the previous match against the Springboks. The team retains a substantial core from the recent fixtures, underscoring a strategy of incremental amendments rather than radical reform.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt.), 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Alex Coles, 5 George Martin; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith. Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 18 George Kloska, 19 Tom Curry, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 23 Noah Caluori.
As England seek to halt their slide and reassert themselves in the competition, the match against Fiji represents a critical test of resilience and adaptability. The Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool will serve as a demanding stage, with a home crowd ready to push the hosts toward a much-needed performance. For a side still rebuilding and looking to restore confidence, this game offers a clear opportunity to demonstrate the progress they have promised under Borthwick’s guidance and to flip the narrative around their Nations Championship campaign. Fans will be hoping for a polished display that combines front-foot aggression with disciplined execution, as England aim to deliver a response that matches the expectations of a country hungry for progress and a return to form.