England’s five-match losing streak stretched further with a humbling 45-21 defeat to South Africa, leaving Steve Borthwick under increasing pressure ahead of next week’s clash with Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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With injuries mounting and questions remaining over several selection calls, changes appear inevitable. Here, we take a look at how England could line up in Liverpool as they search for a much-needed victory and a chance to restore confidence.
15 Marcus Smith
With Freddie Steward’s fitness still uncertain after last week’s injury, and George Furbank ruled out for an extended period after developing appendicitis on the day of the Springboks match, Smith is the only proven fullback option available.
The Harlequins playmaker showed plenty of quality against South Africa, handling several dangerous situations well and demonstrating his attacking threat with ball in hand.
14 Tommy Freeman
The experiment of playing Freeman at outside centre should come to an end. While he is clearly an outstanding winger, he has not shown the specialist skills needed to thrive in the position at Test level.
Steve Borthwick should return him to the wing, where he has been one of Northampton Saints’ standout performers this season.
13 Henry Slade
Slade may not be England’s long-term solution at outside centre, but he offers composure, experience and stability at a time when the team needs a result to halt a five-match losing run.
The Exeter Chiefs veteran has been performing strongly this season and, at 33, has the experience to handle high-pressure situations. Max Ojomoh is another option, but Slade’s experience gives him the advantage for now.
12 Seb Atkinson
Although Atkinson was not at his best against South Africa, he showed enough promise to justify another opportunity.
He is a powerful ball carrier with clear potential and, with only five caps to his name, would benefit from further international exposure. This fixture presents an ideal chance for him to continue his development.
England also need continuity in the backline, so there is little reason to make a change here. Ojomoh remains a viable alternative.
11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
There are few reasons to remove Feyi-Waboso from the starting side. While he was not at his sharpest against the Springboks, he remains one of England’s premier wing options alongside Freeman.
His place in the team should not be under threat.
10 Fin Smith
Much like Feyi-Waboso, Fin Smith’s selection is unlikely to be questioned. He appears to be both the immediate and long-term answer at fly-half.
Calm under pressure, strong defensively and capable of creating opportunities for those around him, he brings a complete skill set to the position. Unless injury intervenes, he is expected to start.
9 Alex Mitchell
Continuity is important, and although Mitchell would replace Jack van Poortvliet, who started against South Africa, his established partnership with Fin Smith at Northampton Saints is a major advantage.
Van Poortvliet performed solidly, but some criticism centred on the tempo of England’s attack. If Mitchell is fully fit after his injury lay-off, he should be given the nod.
