DOES BORTHWICK SWING THE AXE? | SELECTING ENGLAND'S 6N SQUAD?

[@joemartin4751]

A very good 23. Only hesitation would be not starting Underhill. Delighted to see Hendy in your squad. There’ll be a riot if Tom Willis isn’t picked by Borthwick.

[@touchingthecloth]

Never seen a pre 6 nations, where a player should be so odds on to start. Tom Willis!

[@speak_your_truth.]

​@@touchingtheclothOdds according to who?

[@touchingthecloth]

@@speak_your_truth. anybody watching the Prem this season

[@samarnold8403]

From a Sarries fan, re balance of Willis and Earl… regardless numbers on their backs, Ben Earl packs down at 8 in scrum, 7 at lineout (at back) and Willis drops into the backfield on kick chase like Billy V used to, they make use of having two 8s and playing to each one’s strength. Willis is a monster in around the ruck with pick and goes in the tight but also in the wide channels on counter attack or third phase attacks, get both on the ball as much as possible! Neither are out and out 8s or 7 really it’s great to see using both of their strengths in hybrid roles.

[@AndrewAW-w2l]

As a South African following the premiership- England do not seem to have a talent problem, I think their strength is similar to Boks as in many positions no clear A/B choice - challenge is the coaching ticket needs to get creative and ensure open and honest culture ie. Players needs to know where they stand and reasons for selecting/ rotating players- this is how they will build depth needed for a World Cup campaign. Also age profile is favourable- 2031 could be a vintage year if you consider likes Pollock, Cunningham-South, Finn Smith, Baxter etc.

[@henrybullock4514]

I like that Atkinson shout. Probably been the form 12 in the Premiership this year. A good distributor but also really fronts up in defence.

[@TJB81]

Love the channel. Pretty much agree with everything you say here. Sam Underhill is one of the very few test match animals England have and surely has to start though. Earl and CCS off the bench could be so destructive. The bench was awful in Autumn and this may be a game changer. I thought Randall’s cameos in the Autumn were poor and I’d have Spencer or Quirke battling for that spot. Daly was apparently pencilled to start v Boks in Autumn and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him feature.

[@nigeljones8727]

@@TJB81 yup I watched him off the bench against Northampton and if Bath would have won he would have been man of the match

[@guyveegee]

Strong bench would be so exciting to see

[@YannBACCON]

I see you did not bring up Jacques Houillisse, the French guy playing for Toulouse...

[@EggchasersRugby]

😂😂😂

[@robertlayte61]

It's boring that's why . No point

[@marco-dn7kd]

Or the other french guy playing prop for Toulon, Karl Saint-Clair

[@ethanhurley-love5301]

Great takes as always. Can't argue with the squad selection. Willis and Hill have to be involved, and Marcus Smith needs to be playing 80 mins, either dropping to 15 with Fin Smith off the bench, or the 6-2 split. With the exciting talent on offer, the players can't keep taking the blame, I think its make or break for Borthwick now, these marginal losses need to start going England's way. 🙏

[@AllInTheGame01]

Would like to see Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Trevor Davison, Beno Obano, Gabriel Oghre, Jamie Blamire, Tom Willis, Tom Pearson, Harry Randall, Oscar Beard & Cadan Murley all in the Squad.

[@EggchasersRugby]

7/10 not bad - we agree on many

[@AllInTheGame01]

@@EggchasersRugby 👍

[@speak_your_truth.]

Beard has no chance, his buddy Northmore might get a run though.

[@Alex-qc1mt]

Impressed with Beard as an all-rounder. He is rapid, hits hard, powerful in the carry, elusive and distributes well. He really could be elite at 13 and has to be pushing for a spot. Think he would dovetail well with Lawrence who is a guaranteed starter. Like Atkinson as a shout, though Northmore playing regularly with Beard means some Quins fireworks for tackling alongside Smith (and I would have Porter in at some point at SH). Equally Hendy and Sleightholme is a combination you want alongside Freeman. Can't overlook club dynamics but if we resort to kicking constantly, then it's not going to work. Ford not good enough to be utility back, but no way he is a better all round option than Fin Smith. What do you think of club relationships for England - and do they go out the window if the coaching/system is very different?

[@MrEazeee]

"It's the hope that kills you" - No truer words can be felt as a Scotland fan... Great content as always Tim, looking forward to your Six Nations content!

[@888young2]

When you say ‘Scotland’ fan, really you mean ‘bunch of blokes from around the world who weren’t good enough to play for their home nation so went to a lesser nation’ fan

[@FG-ul6yi]

@@888young2 Cue the racism, we have like 4 residencies whereas the rest are Scottish and British. Jog on.

[@robertwhite9621]

@@888young2 If we run with your "logic", our "bunch of blokes" have beaten England 4 years in a row. If our guys aren't good enough to play for their home nations, how shit are the English?

[@888young2]

@@FG-ul6yi not really racism because at no point did I mention anything to do with race. I'm afraid you are also mistaken regarding the number of foreign nationals playing for Scotland. In the November test squad there were 18 foreign nationals. Also as a side note, learn to have a bit of a laugh. No need to be offended. Life will seem a lot brighter if you don’t constantly victimise yourself and others.

[@FG-ul6yi]

@888young2 Nope, only people on residency are Duhan, Tom Jordan, and Schoeman. The rest either grew up in Scotland/UK, or have relatives. You can't count someone as growing up in England 'foreign born'. Nonsense

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Really can't argue with that 23, reinforces rhe importance of chessum to cover lock and 6 which allows rhe impact of CCS and Underhill off the bench. I'd love to see Hendy but think he needs some more time but he certainly fills that Furbank type role.

[@zwet4269]

Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell works so well for the Saints

[@notmcgreo764]

Would like to see fin get a start

[@joedennehy386]

Club rugby is almost irrelevant

[@StanWilks]

Selection speculation? It's that time of year, Tim. Looking forward to your 6N coverage!

[@MrFubber]

Tom Willis is an irresistible selection. Agree about Ted Hill too. That is a very balanced back row selection.

[@kierontreas5971]

Babe, wake up. New EC video just dropped 🎉

[@-mossy4834]

Great video. Good cases for all the players. I just can’t see borthwick making the big decisions to drop favourites.

[@EdLo3]

Hendy is a potential starter for me. A very balanced 15 and performed brilliantly in last years prem final. Has the pace and temperment to succeed at international level. In which case, I would have Fin Smith over Ford to strengthen the Saints spine in the second half. Oscar Beard or Northmore both need another shot I think. Beard would perhaps be better as a straight swap for Slade. Will Chessum be fit in time for the 6Ns? Underhill has to get an EPS contract as well. Sign him up quick!!

[@notmcgreo764]

Tim reminds me of steve borthwick selection...a tiny bit. He goes with players he trusts rather than out and out form and Hendy is the best 15 in the prem atm js

[@EdLo3]

@notmcgreo764 yep! Like Eddie it takes too long for him to integrate form players. We were all crying out for Mitchell and look what happens when he finally makes it. Equally, if Tom Willis isn't in the squad there is something seriously wrong.

[@johnrichards4097]

Great analysis as usual. Quickly becoming the best on the web. I like the way you handled the Dombrandt issue. He really isn’t a test match player but great for QUINS. I would also like to see Pollock in the squad I think he is one for the future and would put him in instead of Ben Curry whose story is similar to Dombrandt. In terms of second row we are so lucky to have Itoje he is a 90 minute player! So him and Martin and Chesum to start with Willis at 8. Underhill to start. That’s a big pack. With pace to come off the bench. I think Steward may surprise people with a bit more pace but still looks a bit easy to beat 1 on 1. I like Marcus for the 80 and let’s see Hendry as he looks like he can open some gaps. Thanks for that.

[@jim9301]

Well reasoned squad. Lack of talent certainly isn't going to be our problem. Just the way they setup and the mindset they play with. Bring it on though - can't wait for 6N season!

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

Tim, how about for the 6 Nations squads you do a 'likely 23 selection' and side-by-side that with a 'no restrictions 23' that includes all those players who are currently excluded because of where they play their rugby. For extra fun ... how about a side-by-side comparison with a 'no selection restrictions (homegrown born / raised only) 23' for each of the 6 teams, and try get a feeling for how that might potentially change the dynamic and pecking order in the 6 nations. At a glance, I'd suggest that Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy would all come back towards the pack without their mercenaries, Wales would face far less of a deficit, and England would be significantly stronger in relation to some of those teams.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

'Their Mercenaries'!!?? What a colorful piece of terminology to use as an excuse for past failings. I fear though that currently Wales would need considerably more than just that to return to genuine competitiveness

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

@@fawltyoldboybasil.2178 Basic English Basil ... you have a different word for 'someone who sells his services to go into battle for someone else'? You should read better too Mr Fawlty ... I never claimed that Wales would return to genuine competitiveness in this scenario ... I claimed they would be more competitive RELATIVE to the other teams. Do you really want to claim that their score difference vs Ireland, Scotland, France or Italy wouldn't be any different if the mercenaries were removed from those squads and especially matchday 23?

[@DavidShort-q1d]

Nice squad Tim well balanced and lots of cover in both the forwards and backs with power and pace through out

[@TheSward94]

I agree with most. It’s a good squad, I agree that if we have Slade or Furbank in the squad we could go for a 6-2 split with either of them switching to fly half. I personally think we need to start playing Lawrence at 13. It’s where he plays for bath. It’s his preferred position and I can’t see anyone taking a shirt off him for years. I would lock Lawrence in at 13 and experiment with the 12 shirt. I would give Northmore or Ojomoh a shot. With an option for Slade or Freeman to be a good solid utility back off the bench

[@paulaustin7940]

As England has pretty deep strength in depth in the back row, Alfie Barbeary needs to start playing at hooker again. I'd love to see a world cup 2027 pack of :1 Opoku-Fordjour, 2 Barbeary, 3 Fasogbon, 4 Martin, 5 Kpoku, 6 Hill, 7 J Willis, 8 Earl. Subs Oghre Baxter Sela Chessum Willis T

[@9Charcot]

Some good calls Tim. Nice and balanced and not an over reaction. I've read many columns and commenters calling for whole sale changes but that would be a step too far and probably result in even more disjointed performances. As you call out from November England really just need to make some significant structural improvements in their defence and select a bench that's going to come on with a bang rather than a whimper!! I reckon Underhill, Chessum will start at 7&6 and then it will be a choice between Earl and Willis as to who starts and who rides the bench. Either work for me but I reckon SB will bring Willis from the bench for his 1st cap.

[@jnturner506]

Very good selections. Bit too soon for Hendy for me and someway somehow I'd love to see Ibitoye in the mix. Would prefer Finn over George as bench 10 and yes yes yes to Willis. You don't have the Currys which just shows the back row strength. The #1 weakness: 12 - we've not had a proper unit at 12 since Will Greenwood retired and that was 20y ago; we have to get one from somewhere. Wales are totally in the doldrums yet they pull out Max Llewelyn who's ripping up seats...where's ours?

[@diplo3985]

Very good video with some great points! Only true argument I would say is Underhill has to start, he is ruthless and intense which England need. Earl been doing very well at 8 so arguably keep him there, don’t change what’s not broken. Aside from that I agree with the selections and starting team. Very good :)

[@speak_your_truth.]

Earl has been very average over the past 6 months while Willis has been tearing up trees. Pick the better player.

[@tristenwilmot4144]

I am not sold on Randall, spencer would be my choice for the match day squad

[@jim9301]

That would be my only definite change on that suggested 23. Not sure about that back row balance either, but that is splitting hairs... Definitely do agree with Willis at 8.

[@thomaseskenazi2013]

I see the Jacques Houilisse jokes are already there! Anyways Tim, I have to admit that Englad France at Twickenham is really the game I fear the most for us froggies. We tend to have a slow -quite the euphemism- start of 6N on the last years, and England has show constant and consistant progress all trourugh 2024. So, I concur, England definitely has the capacity to do awesome this year.

[@wjhd6823]

Surely people picking all these flash-in-the-pan names should wait until the summer series. People moaned for years that we don't play to win the next tournament and focus on the WC - well the 6N is the most important trophy outside of the WC. Surely just play the best 23 we have in an attempt to win, the 6N is not for experimenting - that's what the summer series alongside the lions can be used for, when you have to rely on other players!

[@EggchasersRugby]

I agree - especially in a Lions year. This summer is the PERFECT time to give Pollock, Opoku-Fordjour, Clark, Tuipolotu, Hendy etc plenty of minutes. I wouldn't drastically change now - a few tweaks. And England have a very young squad as it is.

[@MrAnamchara]

Can’t argue with Aby decision you made for this squad and match day squad . Wish you were selecting mate

[@LittleBigMediaCo]

The updated end-of-2024 kick obstruction directive could change the selection dynamic of a few sides. In the few games we saw it, it was clear that the taller 11, 14 & 15's were better suited to the new aerial contests ... so Steward should likely be inked into his position. Also, those aerial contests are now more physical, and we saw quite a few players come down heavily, while the ref's called 'even contest' and waved play on. That extra risk of injury to the back 3 is going to make 6-2 benches even more of a gamble in 2025.

[@bolton121]

I agree. I think it makes Smith less of a long term option at 15 and probably bumps Roebuck up the order. It's also probably what's keeping Ibotoye out of the squad, it was his clear weakness in the A game against Australia

[@TP1988]

Fascinated since last season that Hendy has t had any England chat / hype, he’s looked a freakish athlete with X Factor in making for a while

[@JoshuaBrunell]

Love your squad Tim. Feel like Rodd deserves Baxter’s spot. Happy with Heyes or Davison as 3rd choice tighthead. Pollock, Pearson and Pepper are going to be great for the A squad. Quirke is close to Randall’s spot especially as he has a good relationship with Ford. Northmore and Beard as a partnership are probably about equal to Atkinson and Lozowski separately. Carpenter the next man in if it’s a 37 man squad.

[@notmcgreo764]

I don't see Baxter's potential

[@simont531]

I think you are spot on with a lot of choices. For me I’m not sure we need both the Curry brothers. Im not sure I agree with you on 10 either. I don’t think our trio is the envy of any other top 7 rugby nation at present - Marcus Smith is the only one who would worry other teams if he’s selected because of his running game. He is still developing his 80 minute game management but I personally wouldn’t keep defaulting to George Ford at 50-60mins I’d let Smith go longer for his development. I think with eyes on the next WC it may be time to drop Ford and focus on the next generation.

[@xabiruli]

Love the back three you’ve selected

[@bristowezt9751]

You’ve missed Fergus Burke. No, I’m not suggesting he starts or is even on the bench much. But they need to squad him and get him capped. He is incredible property, potential will be unleashed in the next two years. Scotland will be looking

[@philipgarnett-clarke7493]

I agree with you give some up and coming players a game. Phil

[@johnwakley7165]

Mad that 7 years ago England had probably the worst back row selection of all the home nations, now they arguably have the best 😮

[@ericdavison6186]

yes,,lets not forget Ethan Roots, who shone in the 2024 6 nations.

[@speak_your_truth.]

Roots is on fire ATM.

[@Simwil33]

I like your second team the most with the 6-2 split! I reckon Chessum will start for line out dominance and I welcome it. CCS off the bench is perfect, England's bench haven't had enough impact recently and popping CCS there changes an average bench into an impactful bench.

[@tomjoyce6365]

Dombrant needs extended phase play to shine. At the moment Borthwick won’t play off 9 and then get Smith involved in later phases. 3 phases and boot it. Shit.

[@sachinbangaru737]

Happy New Year Tim.

[@JoeyJoeJoex]

Great squad selection. Love it. It’s boom or bust time for Borthwick, and hopefully that means he’ll be taking a few more ‘creative’ and in-form selection risks. But I’ll believe it when I see it! (All aboard the Ted Hill hype train, only to see he hasn’t been selected yet again!!)

[@joshhunter1129]

Have you decided what games you’ll be going to in this years 6N yet? Always like the videos from outside the stadium

[@tcr_tiagy]

Based on form Heyes from Leicester at THP and Quirke at 9 might have a chance to get in the squad. Also based on form I would not pick Slade at 13, very good call as a utility back for a 6-2 split.

[@patrickjackson9827]

Agreed not much problem only putting jack Kenninghem should have a shout in on form and starting over Cunningham south

[@robslade9281]

Love your squad, Tom Willis really needs a start.. any chance you can get a job with England?

[@CptDobby]

I think I've got a sense of Sam Simmondsitis around Tom Willis, he could be gamebreaking for England but he might not. If Underhill is fit, he starts at 7 and you build the back row around him

[@lawrenceriekstins2157]

Totally agree about Ollie Chessum. He was on the best form I’ve seen so far before he got injured. Leicester’s line out is no where near as good without him and if he keeps this form up when he returns he could easily be England’s best lock!

[@PaintProtectionPro]

Borthwick had him at 6 and he was dominant, hoping he comes back soon.

[@AndrewAW-w2l]

Alex Mitchell is excellent- brings generalship to the position, reckon he would be Bok starter in another life.

[@NicholasFallowfield]

I like your team and squad, but I am thinking that Finn Smith might be the best option now at 10. He brings his fellow backs into play better and manages games well, whereas Marcus has more golden try scoring ability within him, but his overall game can be lesser. And whilst I have always been a Slade fan does his recent form warrant continued selection? If not then how about some Northampton continuity and select Dingwall outside Finn? That leaves Lawrence to play in his preferred 13/wider channel. I like your back row.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Just over 1 minute in you said “I can’t wait for the 6Ns”, I remember you saying that this time last year like it was yesterday!! Where has a year gone already??

[@ianeveratt7273]

I like the 6-2 squad, but Underhill to be a starter. England have had the players to go 6-2 for a while and I think it should have been tried more. Don't forget Earl could play in the mid-field should there be the need for three back replacements

[@harrydennis6854]

Largwly agree with your squad, Tim. I'd make the following changes though: Heyes for Davison Pearson/Pollock for T Curry If Hendy is still out injured I'd love to see Ibotoye come in and get a chance against Wales, see if he can do it on the big stage. I'd love to see what your "experimental" side would be for a Wales/Italy game. Not lookung oast them at all, but I think you can have 1-4 players slot in and still have the experience/quality, while giving guys like F. Smith, Hill, Opoku Fordjour, Oghre, Murley a go. Two cents Rugby has done a good depth chart analysis for all the main international teams, based on playing time, and we're way behind in terms of developing our 2nd/3rd choice players atm. Would love to know your take

[@harryhughes3740]

Prefer Quirke over Randall but definitely won’t complain if Randall is picked. Probably start underhill over earl at 7 purely for his defence. Bringing a fresh Ben Earl on at 60 mins would be a daunting prospect for most sides

[@colinknapman4539]

Yup. Your selections are sound. Squad and starting XV. The real issue for me is whether they play to their full potential, ie whether the game plan/game management is sufficiently flexible and ambitious to produce winning results against the best.

[@zkavess7294]

Agree on dropping some of the players who've been on the fringes and we either know what they can do or they've been found wanting (Daly the former, Dommers the latter). I would drop Spencer too - JVP was his level in the Autumn and has probably got a higher potential ceiling than Spencer. If SB doesn't fancy JVP then Porter or Quirke worth a go, especially for that third spot which'll have limited to no gametime. Love the Atkinson shout. Don't agree with Chessum at 6. We're relatively weak at 2nd row so better to save him or Martin for the bench. Get CCS and Hill competing for the 6 spot imo. Edit: Yeah, your 6-2 lineup is much better. Even that lineup with a fly-half instead of Hendy would be fine - there's enough variability in the backs to cover a lot of injury scenarios. Good vid.

[@HollyweirdSicko]

Does Chessum have the engine to switch to lock in the second half - like how Ireland use Beirne - so England can also do the 6-2 lite? It has worked really well at times for Ireland and it reduces the risk significantly

[@JohnRidley12]

Fully fit, absolutley. Is a monster of a player. But not sure how fit he is right now.

[@HollyweirdSicko]

@ could be such a weapon for them. England really do have insane depth

[@speak_your_truth.]

Can't believe you're persisting with Slade at 13. He's not even been spending time in that position with his club and his club is totally in the doldrums. Can't see any reason to have him there.

[@Andrew-q8k]

I am happy to be educated but doesn't Genge get stuffed any time he comes against a decent scrummaging prop? Boks and NZ demonstrated this

[@tallshort1849]

He's isn't the best which is a worry given that's his primary job

[@hafidkouloun6405]

I just cannot fathom why you're so "impressed" with Slade.. It's beyond me!!

[@Greg-ql8yt]

Overall agree but some odd selection there. 1 why choose an extra backrow and use a lock as 6? 2. How is Chessum central to your selection when he’s not played recently (the reason goes, Slade and others were poor as they were not match ‘fit’ - or in form). Pick players on form eg Willis or played if returning that have played eg Mitchell.

[@James-o2u9x]

This team really excited me. The forwards squad is immense.

[@henrybullock4514]

I’d bring Joe Heyes in. Leicester’s scrum has been exceptional this season. A lot of that will be down to Nicky Smith and Julian Montoya, but to me it seems like Heyes is maturing into an international Tighthead.

[@EggchasersRugby]

He may have been picked before he was really ready in years gone by. Agree that he looks to be maturing.

[@henrybullock4514]

@ yeah that’s what I think. Although Davison was a rock for Saints last season and definitely deserves a spot too.

[@06alepea1]

I think the AIs proved just how important Mitchell and Chessum are to England. Mitchell gives Smith time on the ball. And as said, Chessum balances any backrow he’s in because he’s hitting rucks.

[@JohnRidley12]

As a falcons fan I'll always go to bat for Blamire & I'd probably start Daly of Steward at 15, but otherwise looks great. Love the 6-2 split. although maybe Martin on the bench. just love the idea of Martin and CCS coming on to bash people

[@kev63inuk]

Agree with most here especially Willis in at 8 . Definitely no Daley nor Dan Cole which hurts me to say. And feel that Opoku-Fordjour has to bring that winning mentality from 20s World Cup to this squad. Forget his age he’s ready now. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@chrisbrayne5263]

How does this reflect the central contacts that were handed out , you can’t see steve ditching any of those lads so soon

[@andrewharris1837]

Spot on Tim.wish you Borthwick selector 😅

[@jakecripps9547]

George Ford was definitely available for England in November. I know this because I remember him losing us all the games

[@EggchasersRugby]

He wasn't initially named in the squad. He was re-habbing

[@MikeyC92]

Hoping for some picks on form (Willis & Hill) and could have Carpenter to replace Furbank but Borthwick probably won't change much to give players a last chance for Lions selections like Jones did 4 years ago.

[@marco-dn7kd]

Are you planning to review the other 5 Nations squad !? I agree with you on Slade, critics are unfair. Why Daly could not play center ? Your English squad is impressive and should they win in Ireland or loose just for a few points, the next game in Twickenham should be quite interesting to say the less...

[@Waldemar-10811]

Agree with most of that - a fit Chessum walks in at 6 and frees up at CCS for impact, with Earl/Underhill a toss up at 7. My preference would be for a midfield of Dingwall/Lawrence. On the bench I'd like to see F. Smith so that we can see what he can do at this level and from the 3rd game onwards I'd like to see Asher covering tight head and Obano getting some time at loose head. Hendy has huge potential but his defence looked at bit iffy against Bath at the weekend so it may be too soon for him (IMHO). Really hope that JVP is the scrum half to miss out but I fear he's a Borthwick blind spot.

[@SweptDust5340]

Hendy defence looked wobbly where? I guess for the First bath try he could have put the shoulder in if he committed earlier to the inside man, but in fairness it’s a 1v2. He’s been pretty great defensively aside from that this season, put in some huge hits

[@mikelambrou4462]

I like your 23 a lot but I’d be very tempted to put Smith at 15 with either Ford or Fin Smith at 10 and a 6:2 bench of LCD, Obano, AOF, Underhill, CCS, Curry, JVP, Roebuck or Hendy

[@simoncollen2825]

As you said, we have great backrow so why do we put 2nd rows as 6s I would go for Hill at 6, Earl/Underhill at 7 and Willis at 8

[@hafidkouloun6405]

Perfect!

[@bigdru888]

I think its more likely we see opoku fordjour in as a loosehead than obano and heyes as the third tighthead. Obanos great but its clear borthwick doesn’t trust him and i just can’t see AOF being a tighthead long term. Would love to be proven wrong though as we need all the tightheads we can get.

[@nickuplands]

Ooof, that back row looks devastating...

[@nickuplands]

Would defo have Ibitoye in the back three though...

[@Bpt8825]

For the Six Nations I’d like to see: Baxter, Dan, Heyes Itoje, Martin, Hill, T Willis, Pollock Mitchell, F Smith, Hartley,Freeman, Roebuck, Sleightholme Hodge Bench: Rodd, Frost, Opoku-Fojdour, Coles, Earl, Porter, M Smith, Murley

[@notmcgreo764]

Way too young, would be a good summer series though

[@geoffpatton5076]

Another great video. I prefer Lozowski over Slade. Crying shame about Jack Willis.

[@nzcurt]

Good team, but England also need to embrace more innovation, even being prepared to take more risks in their playing style, to keep up with Ireland and France

[@adamclarke7029]

For me 1. Genge, Rodd, Baxter 2. LCD, Langdon, George 3. Stuart, Heyes, Opoku 4. Itoje, Chessum 5. Martin, Coles 6. Hill, CCS 7. Underhill, Curry 8. Willis, Earl, Dombrandt 9. Mitchell, JVP, Porter/Quirke 10. M Smith, F Smith, Ford 11.Sleightholme, Murley, Ibitoye 12. Dingwall, Atkinson, 13. Lawrence, Beard 14. Freeman, Roebuck 15. Steward, Hendy A squad 1. Iyogun, Brantingham, Haffar 2. Dan, Oghre,Riley 3. Harper, Kloska 4.Owen, Clark 5. Tuima, Bamber 6. Fisilau, Pearson 7. Pepper, Harding 8. Barbeary, Pollock 9. Porter/Quirke, Randall 10. Bailey, Atkinson 11. Wyatt, 12.Ojomoh 13.Kelly, Hartley 14. David, Elliot 15. Carpenter, Hodge

[@cosmojames7710]

My squad would be very similar, but for me we need to change things up in the centres. I’m not convinced by Lawrence at international level yet and for me we need to move on from Slade. I’d start Atkinson and Lawrence, with Beard and Dingwall in the squad too. Dingwall may not be the most dynamic, but he makes others better IMO. Personally I would prefer we go with Finn Smith starting at 10 as his game management and temperament seems made for international rugby. I say that as someone who also thinks Marcus Smith was excellent in New Zealand and autumn series.

[@jamieq8946]

What do you think of Dan Kelly, Tim?

[@benhaslam8728]

I feel Ben Curry should be in the 23 against Ireland (tbf I dont know who would leave the squad) he's been immense this season and consistently the best player for sale

[@PaddyV]

Underhill, Earl and Willis starting, would love to see Hendy at 15 and Finn Smith at 10 as well.

[@guyveegee]

I would love to see Finn given a game.

[@SkepticBrit]

What do you think about the possibility of caping Fergus Burke to prevent the Scotland call? I’ve seen some people call for it but would like to get your thoughts.

[@speak_your_truth.]

Never going to happen in time.

[@Antonym12198]

I’d switch CCS for Tom Pearson

[@dazeng4633]

Steward at 15 will have the Irish licking their lips. Terrible idea. You're also contradicting yourself slightly by having Murley in over Ibitoye...If form is as important as you say? Gabriel is frightening if used correctly. Really like the pack you selected although Martin is not on it at the mo. I'd still be picking a wildcard like Pollock for me in the squad. The boy has stardust

[@bashab3098]

Dombrandt is a luxury , but not physical enough for international

[@thomasmoorfield4823]

As an England supporter don’t know how loud I need shout it but freeman needs to play 13, he’s not a winger. Also it would be stupid of England to put a bloke playing 10 for club and Wack him in the centres against bundee aki and menoncello

[@chriswilliams9754]

They won’t get picked but Will Muir and Joe Cokanasiga have been in great form for Bath.

[@green856w]

Bath's Will Muir deserves consideration.

[@BertFlashman]

I have a feeling Slade will be playing at 12 and Lawrence at 13. England were already moving that way and it will be easy for Slade to slot in there having played at 10 this season. I imagine Borthwick might want to use Slade as an extra coordinator on the pitch who can call structure while Marcus looks for opportunities to exploit the defence. A bit like how Fin Smith and Marcus combined against Japan. The question is whether Lawrence is good enough to defend in the 13 channel - will be interesting.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I think it might be Slade 12 in attack and 13 in D. Fluid with roles.

[@Jann__e10]

I like the squad i think its to early for pollok give hime a bit more time to develop but i would change 3 things in the 23 man squad! 1. I would have fin smith in the match day squad george ford cant tacke and doesnt even kick for goal for his club 2. I would drop freddie steward from the 23 man squad and put in carpender or hendy as fullback he is to slow in the turn cant defend 1 vs 1 if there is space. 3. I would drop slade from the 23 man squad for dingwal, ojomo, beard, atkinson or someone elso at centre because he plays 10 for chiefs and makes to many mistakes even if there system errors

[@JasonSegel-r2l]

Pretty much agree except dropping JVP is insane. Clear No2, Spencer’s getting on a bit and Randall was awful in the autumn internationals. JVP has been good for tigers this year as well

[@SASTOMO]

Love a lock at 6.

[@indricotherium4802]

I don't think England can finish better than second and that depends on whether Ireland's slippage has been real or a blip. Big question will be how much England depend on Marcus Smith's form. Squad looks promising though.

[@tomhartley5872]

For me fin smith, ibitoye, Willis and hill have been the best English players in the prem this season and all look like test players. I would start all of them. Have to try something different to move from valiant losers into winners. Make teams adapt to you not always make negative decisions that are about not conceding/ solid foundations etc: it hasn’t worked bar lucky run in WC.

[@guyveegee]

How much Rugby has Chessum played recently?

[@kev63inuk]

Maybe Theo Dan is the third hooker at present but deserves to stay there as when used by England he produces. Argentina in World Cup 3rd place game started and scored . He’s a better player now and is an asset off the bench. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@ScottLewislovesyou]

players named this year should all be players that can be in the squad in 2 years for the world cup.