Mike Brown selects his England backline for 2023 Rugby World Cup

Saturday, 14 August 2021 at 07:13

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byRugby Rucker

Mike Brown has attempted to predict the backline that will take to the field for England in the first game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

#BACK-THREE:

15. Tom de Glanville: "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. Freddie Steward has the skill to be a ‘proper full-back’ and Tommy Freeman is one to watch."

14. Anthony Watson: "Looking electric right now, taking people on and should be near his peak in 2023."

11. Jack Nowell: "Adds something different to the back three if he can get fit and stay fit. One of the best wingers I’ve played with."

#CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade: "Quality player with all the skills. He has got the natural ability that we associate with All Blacks."

12: Owen Farrell: "Captain and provides the energy, especially in defence. Showed against Wales what he can do as second receiver, bringing outside backs into the game and off-loading when taking the line on himself."

#HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith: 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.

9. Dan Robson: "Ben Youngs isn’t getting any younger and his understudy could add spark to the attack with sniping and tempo. Leicester Tigers’ Jack van Poortvliet could be a bolter."