Sir Clive Woodward picks his England backline, snubs Smith and Steward

Monday, 26 January 2026 at 08:21

byRugby Rucker

Sir Clive Woodward has never been afraid of controversy, and his latest vision for England’s backline proves it.

In a selection that prioritises balance, skill and decision-making over raw physicality, Woodward has left out two of England’s most high-profile stars – Marcus Smith and Freddie Steward – to build what he believes could be a genuinely world-class attacking unit.

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From halfbacks to the back three, Woodward’s picks focus on game management, distribution and multi-playmaker systems – a model he believes is essential if England are to compete with the likes of France and South Africa.

Here’s the backline he has chosen for the Mail Online – with mini bios for every player.

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? Halfbacks: Alex Mitchell & George Ford

Alex Mitchell (Scrum-half – Northampton Saints)

Mitchell has rapidly become England’s most complete No.9. Electric around the breakdown, sharp in support lines and improving constantly as a game manager, the Saints scrum-half offers tempo without chaos. His sniping runs and acceleration keep defences honest, while his passing accuracy allows England to play flatter and faster than in previous cycles. At 27, he’s entering his prime and looks ready to be the long-term heartbeat of the side.

George Ford (Fly-half – Sale Sharks)

Woodward’s general. The organiser. The conductor.

“As No 10, Ford will guide the ship,” Woodward wrote – and it’s hard to argue. Ford remains one of the smartest tactical players in world rugby: elite kicking game, calm under pressure, and exceptional game-reading ability. He doesn’t rely on flash – he relies on control, positioning and decision-making. With Ford, England get clarity, structure and authority in the most important shirt on the pitch.

“With Ford, Atkinson and Furbank all on the field at 10, 12 and 15 respectively, I believe England can have a great balance to their game.”

? Centres: Seb Atkinson & Tommy Freeman

Seb Atkinson (Inside centre – Gloucester)

Atkinson is the definition of the modern 12. Not a battering ram. Not a one-dimensional carrier. A rugby player.

Woodward believes England have spent too long chasing “physical presence” at inside centre:

“For too long, England became preoccupied with having a physical presence or a ball carrier – a term I hate – at inside centre. Often, that was Manu Tuilagi. You need more than that to be successful at the highest level today.”

Atkinson offers exactly that evolution. Strong distributor, intelligent runner, defensively robust and tactically mature. His performances on England’s Argentina tour stood out for composure and versatility.

“He looks like a player who can do it all to me.”

Tommy Freeman (Outside centre – Northampton Saints)

Traditionally a winger, Freeman’s development into a centre has been one of English rugby’s smartest transitions. He brings pace, power and aerial ability, but also reads space superbly and runs devastating lines off first receiver.

His size gives England physical presence, but his skillset gives them fluidity – making him the perfect foil to Atkinson’s distribution.

⚡ Back three: Henry Arundell, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso & George Furban

Henry Arundell (Wing – Racing 92)

Pure pace. Pure danger. Pure x-factor.

Arundell remains England’s most explosive back-three player – a broken-field nightmare with lethal finishing ability. His long-stride speed and natural try-scoring instinct make him a constant threat in transition. At just 22, his ceiling is frighteningly high, and in a more creative system, his impact could be devastating.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Wing – Exeter Chiefs)

One of England’s most exciting emerging talents. Feyi-Waboso combines raw power with elite acceleration, making him equally dangerous in contact and in space.

A former medical student turned professional rugby player, he’s rapidly becoming a fan favourite for his fearlessness and work-rate. Defensively strong, physically dominant and explosive in attack – the modern Test winger blueprint.

George Furbank (Full-back – Northampton Saints)

The key piece in Woodward’s system.

“Furbank offers England the priceless option of a second playmaker alongside George Ford as the likely fly-half.”

Furbank isn’t just a full-back – he’s a tactical operator. Comfortable stepping into first receiver, excellent passer, calm decision-maker and positionally intelligent. Woodward is brutally clear in his view on England’s other options:

“I’ve been consistent in my view that Smith is not an international 15 under any circumstances.”

And on Freddie Steward:

“Steward has evolved his attacking game and we all know how good he is in the air. But for me he does not have the out-and-out pace required or the passing ability to be a second play-maker, which this team needs.”

Furbank, in contrast, gives England structure, flow and flexibility.

“With Furbank in his place, I believe England can rival the likes of South Africa and France.”

? Woodward’s England Backline

9. Alex Mitchell
10. George Ford
12. Seb Atkinson
13. Tommy Freeman
11. Henry Arundell
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
15. George Furbank

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