England World Cup winner Matt Dawson has backed both Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith, with the Northampton Saints pair emerging as strong contenders to lead England's attack at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Steve Borthwick has some big decisions to make ahead of next year's tournament in Australia, particularly over his half-back combination.
And Dawson, who helped England lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003, has previously made his feelings clear on both players.
Matt Dawson backs Alex Mitchell
Dawson was an early supporter of Mitchell, backing the Northampton scrum-half during England's 2023 World Cup campaign.
Speaking to RugbyPass, Dawson said: "Mitch should have been in the squad from the beginning."
He praised Mitchell's composure, ability to bring teammates into the game and knack for finding space in opposition defences.
The 29-year-old has since established himself as an important member of Borthwick's squad, although injuries have interrupted his progress.
As RUCK previously reported, Mitchell suffered another injury setback during England's Nations Championship campaign in July.
Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith could form England’s half-back partnership at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Fin Smith gets Dawson's backing
Dawson has been equally complimentary about Mitchell's Northampton teammate Fin Smith.
Writing for BBC Sport in November 2025, Dawson made his preference clear.
"In my opinion, Fin Smith is England's number one fly-half," he wrote.
The former scrum-half was particularly impressed by Smith's defensive work, decision-making and ability to control matches under pressure.
He also praised the youngster's maturity, believing his performances had earned him the right to start ahead of more experienced rivals.
Dawson is not alone in that view.
Former England centre Jeremy Guscott has also urged Borthwick to back Smith, suggesting George Ford could provide experience from the bench.
England's World Cup decision
The prospect of Mitchell and Smith operating together for England is an intriguing one.
The pair already have an established understanding from their time at Northampton, something that could work in their favour heading into Australia 2027.
RUCK recently included both players in its predicted England line-up for the autumn.
However, Dawson's comments were made separately and should not be mistaken for a recent endorsement of a specific World Cup partnership.
What is clear is that the 2003 World Cup winner rates both players highly.
Whether Borthwick puts his faith in the Saints combination remains to be seen.
Where is Matt Dawson now? Partner, children and life after rugby
While England's World Cup debate continues, Dawson has built a very different life away from the pitch since retiring in 2006.
The 53-year-old has built a successful career away from rugby since retiring in 2006, working as a BBC pundit and spending years as a team captain on A Question of Sport.
Away from television, the 2003 World Cup winner has also found love again following his divorce from former model Carolin Hauskeller in 2020.
The couple share two sons, Alex and Sami, and Dawson has since started a relationship with personal trainer Elizabeth Kerr.
He has also faced some difficult moments in his personal life, including son Sami's serious battle with meningitis and his own health scare after contracting Lyme disease.
Dawson now balances family life with broadcasting and business commitments, having joined commercial property firm JLL as an executive director in 2025.
READ MORE: Matt Dawson's life now – new partner, two sons and health battle that led to heart surgery
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