The experienced lock Simon Shaw and three-quarter Mathew Tait look certain to return to England's 22-man squad to face the All Blacks at Twickenham this weekend after 10 players were released to return to their clubs.
The 36-year-old Shaw was added to the squad after proving his fitness for Wasps, and looks set to feature after Courtney Lawes was released.
Tait was retained after missing out against Australia and Argentina, with Andy Goode dropping out of the squad.
Ben Foden was also released, suggesting Ugo Monye will retain his place at fullback.
In addition to Lawes - who was on the bench for the opening two Tests of England's November campaign - and Foden, the other players to be released were Steffon Armitage, George Chuter, Jordan Crane, David Flatman, Ben Kay, Paul Sackey and Richard Wigglesworth.
