Dan Cole is on course to be recalled by England for the first time since the 2019 World Cup final as new boss Steve Borthwick looks to make a number of major changes.
Borthwick started his playing career at Preston Grasshoppers, he represented England Schools, Colts U21 and Saxons.
He played lock in 57 Tests for England from 2001-2010 and captained the side 21 times. He played Premiership rugby for ten years at Bath and six years at Saracens; captained both teams and became a Premiership winner in 2011 making 265 Premiership appearances, a record at the time.
35-year-old Tigers prop Cole, who is the in-form Premiership tight-head, will be recalled by Borthwick for the Six Nations according to The Telegraph.
The former England captain’s first match in charge will be the Six Nations opener against Scotland on 4 February and the Rugby Football Union said the rest of his coaching team would be announced “in the coming weeks”.
Below, using how he has set up at Leicester, we take a look at how England’s XV might look under Borthwick.
Fans have widely speculated that Ellis Genge, who was his captain during their Premiership triumph, could be given the armband.
Steve Borthwick’s England XV
Back-three:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- 14. Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish)
- 11. Anthony Watson (Leicester Tigers)
Centres:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- 12. Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
