England fans have questioned several of Steve Borthwick's selection decisions after the head coach named his first team of the autumn Nations Championship campaign.

While much of the starting XV was as expected, a handful of selections have attracted significant attention, with supporters questioning both the players included and those left out.

With Alex Mitchell ruled out through injury, scrum-half was always likely to be a contentious position. Leicester Tigers' Jack van Poortvliet has been handed the starting nine shirt ahead of Ben Spencer.

Despite consistently impressive Premiership form, Spencer has struggled to establish himself at Test level, earning just 16 caps at 34 years old.

However, the decision to select 25-year-old Van Poortvliet, who started all three of England's summer Nations Championship matches, has divided supporters.

One user said, "JVP at 9 is a joke, but other than that it is good, good squad for once!"

Another added, "Good team but JVP should be nowhere near that 9 jersey," while a third commented, "That’s some team but think Spencer instead of JVP everyday."

Ellis Genge's omission from the starting XV has also attracted attention, with the Leicester Tigers prop named among the replacements in favour of Fin Baxter.

However, the decision appears to be more about how Borthwick intends to utilise Genge rather than a reflection of his performances, with the experienced prop expected to provide an impact off the bench.

Nevertheless, one supporter questioned Baxter's inclusion, saying, "Fin Baxter has played just 40 minutes of rugby in over a year and suddenly he’s starting?"

Marcus Smith's place on the bench has also proved contentious, with Fin Smith selected at fly-half despite missing training earlier in the week with a potential injury concern.

The Harlequins playmaker has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, particularly with George Furbank operating at full-back, and many supporters believe he deserved the starting role.

Fin Smith's fitness has also raised questions, with some fans suggesting the Northampton Saints star is being rushed back into the side.

With England facing the All Blacks in a couple of weeks, supporters believe Borthwick could have opted to give Smith additional time to recover ahead of that crucial encounter.