Jonny Wilkinson picks his England 10, delivers his verdict on fly-half trio

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 at 13:56

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As England prepares for the upcoming Autumn Internationals, the fly-half position remains a topic of intense discussion.

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Jonny Wilkinson, England’s 2003 World Cup hero, shared his thoughts on the contenders for the No.10 jersey during he Six Nations and. his comment still seems valid.

While George Ford, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith have all showcased their talents, the potential return of Owen Farrell from injury adds another layer of complexity to the selection process.

With Farrell's experience and leadership, he could re-enter the conversation for the starting No.10 role. Based on current form and recent performances, here’s how Wilkinson ranks the candidates:

POLLS:

3.? Marcus Smith – The Game Changer

Club: Harlequins
Age: 26
Caps: 44 (England)

Recent Form: Marcus Smith has been a standout performer for Harlequins, recently leading them to a 20–14 victory over Saracens, contributing 15 points through a try, conversions, and penalties.

His versatility allows him to operate effectively at both fly-half and fullback. Smith also featured for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, showcasing his dynamic attacking play.

Wilkinson highlighted Smith's potential to invigorate the team's performance, remarking:

"We all know that he has so much to offer this new direction for England. We all know his skillset and how much he can energise the team."

2.? Fin Smith – The Rising Star

Club: Northampton Saints
Age: 23
Caps: 11 (England)

Recent Form: Fin Smith's meteoric rise culminated in a call-up to the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, where he featured in five matches and scored 25 points.

At Northampton, he has been instrumental in their successes, including a match-winning penalty against Bath in January 2025.

His commitment to England was further solidified when he turned down a lucrative offer from the rebel R360 competition, choosing to focus on his international aspirations.

Wilkinson praised Smith's mindset and adaptability, noting:

"A brilliant opportunity. A great talent. An amazing mindset, and is already starting to push the limits of the league at such a young age."

1,? George Ford – The Experienced Leader

Club: Sale Sharks

Age: 32
Caps: Over 102

Recent Form: George Ford's experience remains invaluable. In the 2025 Six Nations, he showcased leadership and skill under pressure.

His tactical kicking and game management have been pivotal in numerous international fixtures. Ford's leadership was further highlighted when he captained England during the 2025 Summer Test Series against Argentina, leading them to a 22–17 victory in the second Test.

Wilkinson commended Ford's depth of understanding and leadership qualities, stating:

"Ford still has so much to offer. He has this depth and subtle understanding of the game that we've not seen him express that for a while because the team hasn't been firing.

"The 2023 Rugby World Cup was an interesting journey for him. He showed immense courage and some skills we haven't seen from him for a while. For him, there is still so much to go. I think he needs to lead that fly-half spot now."

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