"Pushing the limits" - Jonny Wilkinson delivers his verdict on fly-half trio, picks his England 10

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

powered by ISUZU.

Wilkinson is a retired English rugby legend renowned for his precision, resilience, and unrivaled kicking prowess.

The former fly-half played a pivotal role in England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, earning global acclaim. Post-retirement, Wilkinson has excelled as a coach and motivational speaker.

Appearing as part of ITV's coverage, Wilkinson spoke openly about his opinions on the trio of talented playmakers.

 He became the youngest player to make his professional debut in England at 16 years and 237 and was crowned the World Rugby Young Player of the Year in 2011.

Ford was included in the England Senior Elite Player Squad for the first time in January 2014 and his first Test appearance came off the bench for Owen Farrell in the final minutes of England’s 29-18 victory over Wales at Twickenham in March 2014. He was part of the England squads that won the 2016 and 2017 Six Nations and started in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final at fly half.

Another World Cup selection in 2023 saw Ford feature in the squad that reached the semi-final of the tournament. He was recently named in Steve Borthwick’s squad ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024.

Wilkinson said: "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 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."

Marcus became the second-youngest Premiership debutant in history, behind George Ford, when making his Harlequins bow against London Irish aged 18 years and 200 days in September 2017. He was named as an apprentice in the England party for the Old Mutual Wealth series that autumn and continued in that role during the 2018 Six Nations.

He made his Test debut in 2021 against the USA and contributed 13 points, including a try, to their 43-19 victory. In 2021 he was called up to the British & Irish Lions squad and kicked all seven conversions in their game against the Stormers.

Smith featured in Steve Borthwick’s squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, playing at both fly-half and fullback. Recently, he was named in the 36-player squad for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024.

Wilkinson said: "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."

Smith began playing rugby aged four at Shipston on Stour RFC.

Rugby runs in the family as his Grandad was capped for Scotland and went on the 1955 Lions tour. Smith featured for England at U20 level, playing a key role in their 2021 Six Nations campaign.

His performances for Premiership side Northampton Saints have earned him a call up to Steve Borthwicks squad for the 2023 and 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Wilkinson said: "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.

"He has some of his teammates (Northampton) around him that will help him bleed into the squad.

You have five minutes, and your time starts now!