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Tane Edmed will once again direct the Wallabies in the playmaker role when they face England, while Carter Gordon's eagerly awaited comeback to test rugby is on hold.

Gordon, that formerly played for Australia at the most recent World Cup before shock switch to league to sign with the Titans, has been released from his NRL contract to link up with the Wallabies during their tour.

But, the 24-year-old is believed to be still struggle with a quad strain picked up in training recently and will not feature from the squad looking to secure back-to-back wins against the English at Twickenham Stadium for the first occasion in over a decade and a half.

Australia Confront Selection Challenges

The Australian side is undermanned, hampered by the restriction to choose key overseas-based players including the UK-based Player of the Year Ikitau, Hooper, and O'Connor, whereas the hosts are at a full-strength lineup.

That has prompted criticism that the Australian team's effort to move up the global rankings before the upcoming draw for the hosted 2027 World Cup has been negatively affected, since the English are able to select each of their Premiership-based squad members.

Coach Schmidt Remains Confident

But, Australia coach Joe Schmidt, fresh from overseeing a gritty win against Japan with a mostly backup outfit, remains confident he has a competitive side at his disposal, with other star players returning to the lineup.

"We have sought to manage this year's tough fixture list in terms of international games and travel, so it was beneficial to freshen a number of players up in the previous match and we trust that enables the group to be highly strong on the weekend," stated Schmidt.

Australia Team to Face the English

• Kellaway; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Paisami, Harry Potter;
• Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon;
• Bell, Pollard, Taniela Tupou, Frost, Darcy Williams,
• Valetini, McReight, Wilson (capt).
• Replacements: Jordan Nasser, Zane Robertson, Allan Alaalatoa, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Champion de Crespigny, Ryan Lonergan, Stewart, Filipo Daugunu.

Notable Returns and Combinations

Tighthead prop Taniela Tupou is returning in the starting side for the first occasion after the first Bledisloe Cup match in New Zealand, while captain Wilson takes the number eight jersey once more, forming a well-known powerful back row with Valetini and Fraser McReight.

NSW Waratahs teammates Gordon and Tane Edmed start in the half-back positions for the third straight Test, and Paisami will partner in midfield with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, back to the venue of his remarkable union debut last year.

Max Jorgensen, the last-gasp match-winner that occasion with his winning score, features again, while Harry Potter is called upon to contribute his spark on the opposite wing position.

Salakaia-Loto has recovered from a rib complaint and will be available at second row, and Nick Champion de Crespigny, the captain versus the Japanese, is included as a loose forward replacement.