Henry Slade is poised for a quick return to England's midfield against New Zealand next week if he has a successful comeback for Exeter on Sunday. Slade has been released early from the national squad's warm-weather camp in Spain to allow him to play against Harlequins in preparation for the reunion with the All Blacks. Slade has yet to play a competitive match this season, having undergone shoulder surgery after England's summer tour to Japan and New Zealand. Despite this, his importance to the squad's tactical approach is such that the England management seems eager to expedite his return if feasible.

The 31-year-old center has become a pivotal player in their aggressive defensive strategy and can also provide an additional kicking option in open play or off the tee. With Northampton's Fraser Dingwall injured and Saracens' Alex Lozowski only recently back after a six-year absence from the national squad, reuniting Slade with Ollie Lawrence in midfield would be a timely boost. It certainly benefits a winless Exeter, who have been missing Slade's experience and match-winning prowess. Consequently, it made sense for the player to return home and prepare adequately for the fixture at Sandy Park.

"He and we are keen for him to get some minutes on the weekend," Richard Wigglesworth, England's senior assistant coach, said. "He's going to train with Exeter and then get some game time. We both felt it was the right thing to do." Wigglesworth also confirmed that Slade would be in contention to face New Zealand assuming he comes through unscathed. "From the outset we probably knew that was his target and that it was possible if it went well, which it has. When you have the experience and class he has – and he's used to the systems we run – it definitely speeds up the process."

"We don't know how he'll come through this week but he understands defence and he's committed to it. He's important to us." If Slade does play against the All Blacks, he would earn his 66th cap, moving him ahead of Jeremy Guscott on the all-time list of England centers. The management is also hopeful that the two Georges, Furbank and Ford, will soon be back to full fitness, with both having participated in modified training on a clear morning on the Costa Brava.

England is keen to make amends for their 2-0 series defeat in New Zealand, with the Tests in Dunedin and Auckland having been closely contested. Wigglesworth said there remains some frustration at the outcome but emphasized that the sudden departure of the assistant coaches Aled Walters and Felix Jones would not diminish England's desire to play at pace and take the game to the opposition.

"Particularly with Aled I was close to him for a long time," Wigglesworth said. "As a friend you miss him but as a friend I am also happy he's doing what he wants to do. This is international sport … at the highest level stuff happens. You just have to adapt, make it better and move on."

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