Mitchell ruled out as England call up Randall and Spencer

England will face Australia without first-choice scrum-half Alex Mitchell in their Nations Championship opener on Sunday.

Mitchell injured his hamstring playing for Northampton against Gloucester, and uncapped teammate Archie McParland is also out with a calf injury.

Harry Randall and Ben Spencer have joined the squad as replacements, giving coach Steve Borthwick different options at scrum-half.

Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet is expected to start, while either Randall or Spencer is likely to be on the bench.

The injuries give Randall and Spencer a chance to make their case with the World Cup less than a year away.

England’s autumn schedule also includes Japan and New Zealand, followed by a fourth Test against an opponent yet to be decided at the Nations Championship finals weekend.