Former England star Stuart Barnes has questioned Marcus Smith's form and backed a surprise contender to challenge for the England full-back shirt.
Steve Borthwick has a big decision to make ahead of the autumn internationals.
Marcus Smith has had his chances in the No.15 shirt, but not everyone is convinced he is the answer.
And Barnes believes the solution could be a player with just one England cap to his name.
Writing in The Sunday Times, Barnes described Smith as "far from reliable".
Hardly a ringing endorsement.
Joe Carpenter backed for England recall
Sale Sharks full-back Joe Carpenter has earned just one England cap, making his international debut against the United States in July 2025.
However, Barnes believes the 25-year-old has the qualities to make a serious challenge.
"He has fine footwork and plenty of pace," Barnes wrote, highlighting Carpenter's attacking threat.
The former England star also described full-back as "a position that is up for grabs".
Barnes suggested Carpenter could become a genuine World Cup contender if he maintains his impressive club form.
"If the dark horse can string together a series of error-free performances," he wrote, outlining the challenge facing the Sale man.
Marcus Smith faces growing competition
Smith isn't the only big name facing questions.
Barnes also has doubts about George Furbank, calling him "the biggest 'if' in the England set-up".
Then there's Freddie Steward.
The Leicester Tigers star has plenty of England experience, but Barnes believes he could struggle to win back his place.
Suddenly, Carpenter's chances don't look quite so remote.
RUCK recently named Furbank in our predicted England XV for the autumn, but the battle for the No.15 shirt looks wide open.
Carpenter has already shown what he can do in a Sale shirt.
Now comes the hard part: convincing Borthwick.
One cap, three established rivals and a World Cup on the horizon.
It's a big ask. But stranger things have happened.
