"Major handful" - Five England hopefuls who stood out this weekend

This weekend in particular saw standout performances from five England hopefuls, each making a compelling case for inclusion as the national side looks to reset and rebuild.

Gabriel Oghre was a constant influence from start to finish, delivering a complete and energetic performance.

He played a central role in Bristol’s attacking play, contributing to tries for Fitz Harding and Kalaveti Ravouvou, while maintaining a relentless work rate across the full 80 minutes. Reliable at the lineout and even comfortable with the boot, his all-round skill set continues to stand out.

With Jamie George nearing the latter stages of his career and Luke Cowan-Dickie underwhelming in the Six Nations, Oghre has a strong case for England inclusion.

As arguably the form hooker in the Prem, his continued omission is becoming harder to justify and if he maintains this level, he will soon be impossible to ignore.

Few players are operating at Searle’s level right now. His game management was exceptional, blending intelligent variation with a willingness to attack the line.

He consistently made the right decisions under pressure, releasing the ball at key moments and keeping Bristol’s defence unsettled. His late penalty ultimately secured the win and further strengthened his growing case for international recognition.

With Fin Smith and George Ford not at their best, Searle has emerged as the standout fly-half in the league. On current form, he deserves an opportunity at Test level. Nations like South Africa often reward form and England could benefit from adopting a similar approach.

Exeter’s wing play was impressive throughout, with Campbell Ridl particularly eye-catching alongside Paul Brown-Bampoe. Combining size, power, and sharp footwork, Ridl offers genuine versatility across the backline.

His try against Sale Sharks showcased his potential, running a precise line before stepping past Tom O’Flaherty with confidence.

Still just 21, Ridl is a player of significant promise. Although eligible for South Africa, he appears keen to represent England, the country of his birth. Given his background, securing his international future sooner rather than later could be a smart move.

Stylistically, he shares similarities with a young Tommy Freeman and looks well suited to Steve Borthwick’s tactical approach.

Alfie Barbeary proved a major handful for Saracens, consistently breaking the gain line and drawing in multiple defenders. His physicality caused problems all game, and he was rewarded with a deserved try.

While concerns around off-field discipline may hinder his England prospects, his on-field performances remain highly compelling. If he continues to deliver at this level, he could yet force his way into contention and potentially win over supporters in a similar way to emerging talents like Henry Pollock.

Bath dominated on Friday night, and Will Muir was at the heart of their performance. He set the tone early with a charge-down on an Owen Farrell kick and remained influential throughout, excelling under the high ball and providing a reliable attacking outlet. His early try capped an outstanding display.

Given England’s preference for a kicking game, Muir’s aerial ability makes him a strong tactical fit, arguably more so than teammate Henry Arundell.

Already on England’s radar, Muir received a senior call-up for the 2024 Six Nations and impressed for England A with a try against Portugal. He was again included in a 2025 training camp before making his full international debut in a 35-12 win over Argentina during the summer Test series.