England Back Slade Ruled Out Argentina, USA Tour With Hand Injury

Henry Slade has been ruled out of the remainder of England's 2025 summer tour of Argentina and the USA due to a hand injury sustained during the opening 35-12 victory over Los Pumas in La Plata. Slade, one of the most experienced players with 74 caps, will miss the second Test against Argentina in San Juan and the one-off match against the USA, forcing England head coach Steve Borthwick to rely on uncapped midfielders Max Ojomoh and Oscar Beard to fill the No13 role alongside debutant Seb Atkinson. England's squad is already depleted, missing 13 key players due to the British and Irish Lions tour, and other midfield options like Fraser Dingwall and Ollie Lawrence are sidelined with injuries. Despite the setback, England's strong performance in the first Test demonstrated squad depth and resilience, taking them to fifth in the world rankings. Argentina, meanwhile, have also faced injuries, with scrumhalf Gonzalo Bertranou withdrawing and Bordeaux-Begles second row Guido Petti joining for the second Test. England have no plans to call up a replacement for Slade, highlighting the challenge of fielding an experienced side on this tour.