England lock Joe Launchbury cited for Fiji kick as George Kruis returns for Argentina

England could be without lock Joe Launchbury for the remainder of the autumn series after being cited for kicking Fiji centre Asaeli Tikoirotumain the 58-15 victory at Twickenham. The 25-year-old, who has an impeccable disciplinary record, allegedly struck his opponent in the second minute of the game and could face a 12-week ban for the offence, ruling him out of the matches against Argentina and Australia.

If handed the maximum punishment then the Wasps second row would also miss the start of England's defence of their Six Nations crown against France and Wales in February. He scored two tries in the thrashing of the Pacific Islanders but that could be his final involvement of the year should the three-person independent disciplinary committee rule against him.

Kruis in contention for Argentina

News of the possible absence of Launchbury for the remainder of the autumn is offset by the return to fitness of George Kruis, who has earned a recall after recovering from ankle surgery. The Saracens star has been included in the 32-man training squad which will prepare for the match with Argentina on Saturday [27 November].

Kruis was an ever-present as England claimed the Six Nations, the grand slam and whitewashed Australia down under, but has been missing since going under the knife in October – an operation which was expected to rule out him of Eddie Jones' plans. However, despite having yet to return for his club, Kruis is braced for an international return.

Exeter Chiefs' Jack Nowell will be assessed by England's medical team this week ahead of the final international of the year against Australia on 3 December. The 23-year-old tore a quad muscle during training in Brighton before the series but could yet feature as Jones looks to guide the Red Rose through an unbeaten calendar year for the first time since 1992.

England training squad for Argentina

Forwards (18)
Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Tommy Taylor (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints).

Backs (14)
Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Alex Goode (Saracens), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors), Marland Yarde (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).