Jeremy Guscott tells Steve Borthwick to drop 105-cap England star, new role suggested

England have three proven No.10s in Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, with all selected in Borthwick’s most recent training squad.

But Guscott feels the head coach must stop switching between them and make a call before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

His preference is clear: give Fin Smith the shirt and let him keep it.

“This season I would play Fin Smith at 10 and have George Ford in a mentor role, coming off the bench only if needed," Guscott told The Rugby Paper.

Ford has won 105 caps for England and remains one of the game’s sharpest tactical minds. He has also been credited with taking on a player-coach role at times, both at Sale Sharks and during England camps.

That experience still makes him a valuable member of the squad. Guscott is not saying England should move on from Ford completely.

Instead, he believes the veteran should help Smith settle into the role while being ready to step in when England need him.

“Ford still has plenty to offer England, but there’s been talk for some time that he has been like a player-coach at club level, and is therefore already over halfway to becoming a full-time coach.”

Fin Smith has spent the past three years moving in and out of England matchday squads. Marcus Smith has faced a similar battle for even longer, although he is currently dealing with a fresh injury setback.

Ford has been the constant through several England eras. He played alongside Owen Farrell for years and remains trusted by Borthwick.

Guscott, though, believes a World Cup side cannot keep changing its mind at fly-half.

“They have all had numerous opportunities at 10, and now it’s up to one of them to play well enough to earn the fly-half shirt, claim it, and keep it.”

Smith made a strong case during the Nations Championship, but England’s next run of Tests could decide whether Borthwick is ready to back him fully.