Jamie George admits England are guarding against any cunning plans their former coach Eddie Jones could throw at them, as Steve Borthwick’s side prepare to face Japan on Saturday

England captain Jamie George is wary of the unpredictable threat posed by former head coach Eddie Jones, who begins his second spell as Japan captain with a showdown against the team he has managed for seven years.

Steve Borthwick’s side will step up their preparations on Sunday for the tour opener against the Brave Blossoms at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, June 22.

Jones has overseen an intense Japanese training camp in his favorite hometown of Miyazaki in the far south of the country, and George knows he will undoubtedly have a cunning plan to plot the downfall of known enemies.

Asked what he expects from the potentially dangerous hosts in the first of England’s three tests in the coming weeks, George said: ‘We don’t know, it’s the first game he (Jones) is coaching the team.

‘We know he prepares his teams for big games, this is a huge game for him, the first game in Japan, we’re going back there – there are some great memories and some not so great memories.

England captain Jamie George (pictured) says his side will be wary of any plans Jones may have

Jones (right) took charge of Japan in January 2024, after overseeing Australia’s disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign

‘We have enormous respect for Eddie; he has done great things for English rugby. He really gave me my first chance and he prepares his teams very well. He will have a very good plan to break us.

“When he talks about Japanese rugby he talks a lot about moving the ball, playing a fast game and a high tempo, so I think that’s probably something we can think is coming.

“But at the same time, who knows, with Eddie he might be a bit of a master of his craft, right?”

George has won praise for his approach to the captaincy since being appointed at the start of the year and he is conscious of maintaining positive team morale throughout this long-haul mission, which continues with back-to-back tests in New Zealand on July 6. and July 13.

The Saracens hooker added: “Sometimes you don’t think about the challenge of summer trips – away from home and away from families.

As part of England’s summer tour, Steve Borthwick’s (pictured) side will travel to New Zealand for two more tests

George (pictured) succeeded Owen Farrell as England captain last year and has won plaudits for his approach to the role

The hooker wants to build positive morale in his team during their summer tour

‘But we’re all in it together and we’ll make sure we look after each other and look out for each other because for anyone touring with England, this should be the best time of your life.

“Some curve balls may be thrown your way, but we want to create an environment and culture where people are really having a good time, regardless of the roster and how things go. We want to make sure we take care of everyone.”