Jones, who helped South Africa win the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, has been working remotely since telling England he wanted to leave and Borthwick declined to discuss his post-autumn future. “It’s not something I’m considering because as you’d expect my attention is on the games that are right in front of us,” Borthwick said.

Steve Borthwick has defended his England coaching regime by insisting the sudden departure of Felix Jones and Aled Walters is not a reflection of the environment he has created.

Two shock departures from his staff left Borthwick reeling, but a settled squad has every chance of success in a November that could promise plenty