Former England international Stuart Barnes has delivered a damning verdict on George Ford ahead of Sunday's Nations Championship clash with Australia.
The former fly-half believes Marcus Smith should start if Fin Smith fails to recover from his calf injury.
Barnes has questioned Ford's attacking approach, raising doubts over his suitability for England's number 10 shirt.
Stuart Barnes delivers George Ford verdict
Writing in The Times, Barnes made his position clear.
"Marcus Smith deserves to start for England. George Ford's game is in retreat."
Barnes believes Ford remains an intelligent playmaker but is becoming too reliant on kicking and playing for territory.
He fears that approach could limit England's attacking threat, particularly with Seb Atkinson pushing for a starting place.
His latest criticism marks a change from February, when Barnes defended Ford following England's defeat to Ireland.
At the time, he wrote:
"George Ford faced the flak. There's no point pretending it was his finest day"
Barnes also defended Ford's passing ability.
"Ford has neither the bulk nor the pace to carry the line himself. But he has the skill to pass as well as he kicks."
Now, Barnes believes Marcus Smith offers England more attacking ambition.
The Harlequins star has impressed with his pace, creativity and ability to exploit space.
Fin Smith remains Barnes' preferred starter when fit, but the Northampton fly-half faces a race against time.
With Australia arriving at Twickenham on Sunday, Steve Borthwick has a major decision to make.
POLL: Who should start at fly-half against Australia?
Five facts about George Ford you might not know
1. His wife fled war-torn Kosovo
Ford married Atdhetare Hoxha in August 2022.
Her family fled Kosovo during the 1999 war after their home was bombed. They arrived in Oldham with little money and spoke no English.
She has since built a successful hospitality business, with four family-run restaurants across Greater Manchester.
2. Becoming a dad changed everything
Ford became a father for the first time in March 2024.
Speaking about the birth of his daughter, he admitted fatherhood had changed his priorities.
"I always thought playing for England was the biggest thing in my life, but I know different now."
3. His two brothers work alongside him
Rugby really is a family business for the Fords.
George's older brother Joe is head coach at Sale Sharks, while younger brother Jacob works as Backs Transition Coach.
All three brothers work together at the Gallagher PREM club.
4. He grew up with Owen Farrell
Ford and Owen Farrell have known each other since childhood.
Their fathers, Mike Ford and Andy Farrell, both enjoyed successful rugby league careers.
The pair later became England teammates and formed one of the country's most familiar international partnerships.
5. He owns a coffee business
Ford established Kobe Coffee with his brother Joe.
His wife also runs the family's restaurant businesses.
Away from rugby, Ford has invested in property and previously revealed that losing £15,000 on a Land Rover taught him an expensive financial lesson.
Pick your England XV to face Australia
Steve Borthwick has some huge decisions to make ahead of Sunday's clash with the Wallabies.
Who would you select? Choose your starting XV below and see how your team compares with other England supporters.
