Marcus Smith is in line to feature at flyhalf for England in a rejigged backline during next month’s Tests at Twickenham after he was included in a 34-man squad announced on Monday.

With veteran flyhalf George Ford dropped, the way is now clear for Smith to start at No 10 alongside England captain Owen Farrell at inside centre.

The 22-year-old Smith has enjoyed a rapid rise to fame after inspiring Harlequins to the Premiership title last season.

The playmaker only made his England debut in July before being called up for the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

With Farrell providing another flyhalf option, there was no place in the squad selected by England coach Eddie Jones for the 77-time-capped Ford.

Up front, another experienced player in Saracens back rower Billy Vunipola was also omitted as veteran Australian coach Jones looked to refresh his squad ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France.

But Leicester hooker Nic Dolly, who has scored five tries in five Premiership matches this season, was included.

Dolly (22) was born in Sydney but has played for England U20.

England begin their end-of-year campaign against Tonga on 6 November before facing  Australia – who Jones guided to the 2003 World Cup final when they lost to England – the following Saturday.

They wrap up their November programme against South Africa, the team that beat Jones’ men in the 2019 World Cup final, on 20 November.

England squad:

Backs (15)

Mark Atkinson (Gloucester), Owen Farrell (Saracens, c), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Max Malins (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester), Raffi Quirke (Sale), Adam Radwan (Newcastle), Harry Randall (Bristol), Henry Slade (Exeter), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Manu Tuilagi (Sale), Anthony Watson (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester).

Forwards (19)

Jamie Blamire (Newcastle), Callum Chick (Newcastle), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Tom Curry (Sale), Trevor Davison (Newcastle), Nic Dolly (Leicester), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Ellis Genge (Leicester), Jonny Hill (Exeter), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester), Sam Simmonds (Exeter), Kyle Sinckler (Bristol), Will Stuart (Bath), Sam Underhill (Bath).

Fixtures:

6 Nov: England vs Tonga, Twickenham

13 Nov: England vs Australia, Twickenham

20 Nov: England vs South Africa, Twickenham

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Photo: Reuters/Andrew Couldridge