"Blacklisted winger" - Four England players Steve Borthwick should call-up

A handful of fringe players made their mark — and a few put serious pressure on England’s selectors to revisit old assumptions.

Here are four standout names Borthwick should be considering for full England call-ups in the months ahead.

Ollie Hassell-Collins has been something of an enigma in the England setup. After making his debut in the 2023 Six Nations, he’s barely had a look-in since — despite consistent Premiership form and a performance at The Rec that reminded everyone of his class.

The Leicester Tigers winger was electric before his injury: dominant under the high ball, sharp on the counter, and physically imposing. His key aerial win in the build-up to Josh Hodge’s try typified the reliability England have lacked on the wing.

With his combination of size (6’4”, 105 kg), footwork, and finishing power, Hassell-Collins offers a modern wide threat in the mold of Freddie Steward’s aerial authority and Maro Itoje’s athletic edge.

He’s fit again. He’s flying. And frankly — it’s time Borthwick ends the cold shoulder treatment.

Still only 20, Northampton’s Archie McParland looks every inch the next-generation No 9 England have been searching for. Against the All Blacks XV, he delivered a lively, confident performance — box-kicking with accuracy, defending with bite, and serving his forwards with lightning pace.

McParland, who became the youngest player to debut for Saints in the professional era at just 17, brings an infectious energy and a natural attacking instinct. His risk-taking may need polish, but that edge — that willingness to play what’s in front of him — is precisely what England’s half-back play has lacked.

Borthwick may have Alex Mitchell and Jack van Poortvliet in rotation, but McParland’s trajectory makes him hard to ignore. If England are thinking beyond 2027, they should be thinking McParland.

Joe Batley isn’t a flashy name — but he’s one of those players who makes things happen. The Bristol lock was one of England A’s most dynamic forwards at The Rec, combining physical presence with genuine ball-handling flair. His late try in the corner was a reward for 80 minutes of intent and industry.

At 6’7” and 120 kg, Batley is a line-out asset, but his ability to offload, run in the wide channels, and link with backs sets him apart. In a side sometimes accused of being too mechanical, Batley’s expressiveness could be a game-changer.

He’s matured from his Worcester and Gloucester days into a consistent leader at Bristol — and with England’s second-row depth under scrutiny, he deserves to be in the national conversation.

Josh Hodge’s performance at The Rec quietly reminded everyone why he’s rated so highly by those inside Exeter Chiefs. Composed, intelligent, and technically superb, Hodge read the game beautifully — claiming kicks, covering space, and sparking England’s only try with a perfectly timed intercept and offload.

Still just 25, Hodge has been on the edge of senior selection for several seasons. His backfield awareness, reliable boot, and attacking instincts make him a natural fit for Borthwick’s defensive structure — but unlike Freddie Steward, he adds a touch more creativity in open play.

With injuries and inconsistency haunting the fullback position, Hodge’s blend of steadiness and spark might be exactly what the national team needs heading into the 2026 Six Nations.