Maro Itoje
Itoje joined the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations and has become a key player since. He led England U20 to victory at the 2014 Junior World Championship.
Debuting in 2016, he enjoyed a remarkable winning streak of 26 out of 27 games for club and country. Itoje featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and has been a consistent presence in England squads. He continues in Steve Borthwick’s 2024 Six Nations squad.
Woodward wrote: “Scotland lost Richie Gray to a biceps injury in their win over Wales and although Gilchrist and Scott Cummings are good players, England have a world-class talent in Maro Itoje in their second row.
“If England are to win, they’ll need a big game from Itoje, who has looked back to his best. He has Ollie Chessum alongside him with George Martin — who I also like — in reserve after recovering from injury. England have to get on top up front to win.”