In his analysis for the Mail Online, former England coach Sir Clive Woodward highlights three crucial matchups to watch in anticipation of Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash.
With England winning just one of their last six games against their historic rivals, Woodward emphasizes the importance of these key players in securing victory.
He describes the upcoming match at Murrayfield as pivotal for England’s 2024 Six Nations campaign following their less-than-convincing victories over Italy and Wales.
George Ford
Ford began his rugby journey at Saddleworth Rangers at age four before progressing to Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls. At St George’s School, Harpenden, he played alongside Owen Farrell. Ford made his pro debut at 16, becoming the youngest English player to do so, and was named World Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2011.
He debuted for England in 2014, eventually featuring in multiple Six Nations and Rugby World Cup campaigns. Ford is now in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2024 Six Nations.
Woodward wrote: “Russell gets all the headlines and rightly so because he’s a phenomenal player. He’s always been able to deliver a moment of individual magic but now he can control games for 80 minutes and I think his growth as a player has been reflected by Scotland giving him the co-captaincy.
“Ford is a less ‘showy’ player but his experience will be vital in Edinburgh. He is unlikely to get flustered even if things are going against his side which is what you need at a place like Murrayfield.