SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens) replace Curry as captain
- 5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens)
Woodward wrote: “Let’s be quite clear: Itoje is England’s preeminent player, the only member of the team who would make a World XV. It concerns me that he doesn’t seem to enjoy that status.
“Take the captaincy. Surely he is the obvious choice in Owen Farrell’s absence? Indeed, with Farrell facing a fight for his starting place when he returns I would have made Itoje captain anyway.
“He led England to a Junior World Cup in 2014. He is a proven winner with Saracens and an incredibly intelligent player who seems to be on top of everything.”
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs) for Charlie Ewels
- 7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
- 8. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Woodward wrote: “I have long argued for Alex Dombrandt to be given a start at No 8 and am genuinely excited by the attacking possibilities England now have at 8, 9 and 10.
“However, I didn’t expect Sam Simmonds to be dropped. I wanted him at blindside where he would prosper in an attack-minded environment. Simmonds is the one England back-rower who can switch positions with ease.”
