Five talking points as England end Autumn Nations Series against Japan

England enter the climax to the Autumn Nations Series against Eddie Jones’ Japan with a 100 per cent record in a fixture that spans five Tests and began in 1987.

Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into Sunday’s Allianz Stadium showdown.

Finish on a high

England face their easiest assignment of the autumn against a Japan side that have sunk to 13th in the world rankings. Steve Borthwick’s men are 1/80 favourites to end their five-Test losing run and any other outcome would be an upset of seismic proportions. After the gloom of seeing New Zealand, Australia and South Africa storm Twickenham this month, only a comprehensive victory and assured performance will pause the debate over whether England are in crisis. But with Ireland first up in the Six Nations, it could soon start again.

Curry returns

Tom Curry’s selection against Japan a fortnight after he was knocked out against Australia has raised eyebrows. While the Sale flanker has been medically cleared to take part after completing his 12-stand sand down period, this latest concussion is his second this season and fifth in two years. Was it necessary for an established Test star with 55 caps, whose fearless playing style puts him harm’s way more than most, to be in action against the weakest opposition of the autumn? It is a sign of the pressure England are under to finish a disappointing series with a bang that they are fielding their strongest available starting XV against Japan – including curry.

A glimpse of the future

Eddie’s back

Turbo-charged Japan

“They are a team that don’t ever let you rest, don’t give you a moment to turn your back” was the appraisal of Japan offered by England assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge. It is a reference to the ‘Chosoku rugby’ playing style adopted by Jones that emphasises speed in attack and a willingness to strike from anywhere on the field. It swept them to the Pacific Nations Cup final in September, but they were then thumped 41-17 by Fiji. They have since shipped 116 points to under-strength New Zealand and France sides with last Saturday’s 36-20 win over Uruguay ending the sequence of heavy defeats.