England captain Owen Farrell is among four players struggling for form as Eddie Jones prepares to name his 2022 Six Nations squad tomorrow.
Off the back of a promising autumn, England head into the 2022 Six Nations looking to bounce back from a woeful 2021 campaign which saw them finish fifth for the second time in four years, above only Italy.
A first defeat to Scotland at Twickenham since 1983 was followed by defeats on the road in Wales and Ireland, as England equalled their worst-ever championship performances of 1987 and 2018.
November brought fresh introductions to the squad - eight uncapped players, plus a further 14 with under 10 caps - and with it positive results, with victories over Tonga, Australia and South Africa.
Where do the players currently out of orm stand now, though? Find out below.
#1. Owen Farrell
- Club: Saracens
- Age: 30
- Position: Fly-half/Centre
- Did You Know? Farrell is one of the top points scorers in test history, having scored 1053 points from 98 tests.
This may seem a little harsh considering he's spent the last two months out injured after limping off against Australia. However, if we're being honest his form had been mediocre at best stretching back to last year's Six Nations.
He is yet to play since sustaining the injury on November 13, but Saracens coach McCall confirmed last week that he is ahead of schedule and should be back on the pitch on January 23 vs London Irish in the Challenge Cup, two weeks before England kick off their Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield.
Farrell’s ability and record may speak for itself, but it’s been a difficult last 12 months for the 30-year-old and for the first time in over a decade, his England place is at serious risk.
Owen Farrell (c) of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK
#2. Adam Radwan
- Club: Newcastle Falcons
- Age: 24
- Position: Winger
- Did You Know? He scored a hat-trick of tries in a 70-14 victory against Canada
Since he England call-up in the Autumn, it hasn't gone quite to plan for Radwan who has been in and out of the Falcons side due to few niggly injuries.
Struggling to match his early season form, the speedster will be hoping he did enough to impress Jones in the Autumn to retain his England place for the 2022 Six Nation.
Adam Radwan of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Sam Underhill
- Club: Bath RFC
- Age: 25
- Position: Flanker
- Did You Know? At the age of just 17, Underhill made his debut for Gloucester
Bit of a stinker all told. The kamikaze kid seems to be more of a cautious kid these days for club and country. Slipping off more tackles that used to be dominant hits, the 25-year-old looks a shadow of the player he was in 2019.
Although I wouldn't shut the door completely on Underhill, he simply doesn't deserve to be in the squad right now with Lewis Ludlam and Alfie Barbeary performing so well for Saints and Wasps respectively.
Sam Underhill of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#4. Kyle Sinckler
- Club: Bristol Bears
- Age: 28
- Position: Prop
- Did You Know? He has previously played for Harlequins, Richmond and Ealing Trailfinders
Sinckler has struggled along with the rest of his Bristol team this year. No longer does he look like a dangerous ball carrier while his scrummaging has also came under fire by pundits in recent weeks.
Still probably England's first choice tighthead, but he has work to do.
Kyle Sinckler of England looks to offload during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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