"Has all the skills" - Mike Brown reveals who should be next England fullback

Sunday, 09 May 2021 at 10:07

byRugby Rucker

Mike Brown has named the player he'd like to see as England's next fullback following their disastrous Six Nations campaign.

"For me, there's not been any transition since the World Cup. Eddie still needs to figure out his best combinations,” wrote Brown in his column for the Mail Online.

"I think he should give up on the idea of Elliot Daly being the first-choice full back. I was looking forward to seeing him at 13, but he's clearly not an international 15.

"I think his best position is on the wing, but he's played 50-plus Tests and hasn't nailed down one spot.

"He can cover centre, wing and full-back and he could fall into the James Hook trap of being Mr Utility on the bench.

"This summer's tour could be a massive turning point. Younger guys normally come in to fill in for the Lions big dogs."

Brown then picked the three standout youngsters, including his long-term replacement for Daly. See who he picked out below.

#1 - Marcus Smith

Age: 22
Club: Harlequins
Position: Fly-half

BROWN SAID: "Needs the opportunity to see if he can take his club form with Quins to next level. Will provide a genuine, high-level kick, pass and run threat."

DID YOU KNOW? Smith is the second youngest debutant featured in the Premiership at 18 years and 200 days old

#2 - Tom de Glanville

Age: 21
Club: Bath RFC
Position: Fullback

BROWN SAID: "Has all the skills. Get him in now to see if he can make the step up. His fundamentals as a No 15 are good and he has the X-factor too."

DID YOU KNOW? He is the son of Yolanda and Phil de Glanville, the former England captain

#3 - Jack van Poortvliet

Age: 19
Club: Leicester Tigers
Position: Scrum-half

BROWN SAID: "He could be a bolter. He's the most talented nine I've seen in a long time."

DID YOU KNOW? Originally a fly half he switched position inside to scrum half and played as Leicester won the Under 18s academy league in the 2017-18 and 2018-19