England's full-back poser after Steward left injured

FREDDIE Steward has emerged as a doubt for Saturday’s clash with Fiji at Allianz Stadium in what could be a significant test of England’s fullback resources.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Steward suffered a hand injury in the closing stages of the 25-7 victory over Australia that launched the autumn and, while he was able to finish the match, his ability to train this week has been impacted.

He sat out Monday’s session and also missed practice yesterday, leaving him with a race against time to prove his fitness for Thursday's team announcement.

If Leicester's 24-year-old aerial master is ruled out, England will be forced to turn to their fourth choice in the position by selecting one of several fringe options.

With George Furbank and Elliot Daly unavailable because of calf problems and a fractured forearm respectively, Marcus Smith, Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck would compete for the number 15 jersey.