Sir Clive Woodward reveals the changes he’d make to England's starting XV for Wales clash

Tuesday, 03 February 2026 at 09:50

byRugby Rucker

Sir Clive Woodward has revealed the three tweaks he would have made to England’s starting XV ahead of their Six Nations opener against Wales — despite admitting he’s largely impressed with Steve Borthwick’s selection.

Jamie George will skipper England in their first match of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship, with George Ford and Ellis Genge named as vice-captains.

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

Woodward, writing in his Mail Online column, praised the overall direction of the squad and believes England have plenty to be excited about.

He wrote: "m hugely excited by what this England team can achieve in the 2026 Six Nations. Steve Borthwick’s starting XV for their opener with Wales isn’t the one I would have picked, but it is also one I can understand and get behind."

One of the biggest talking points for Woodward was the inclusion of Henry Arundell on the wing — a player he sees as a genuine game-breaker.

"The selection of an X-factor player in Henry Arundell is notable. He has the express pace all top wingers need and he can create something out of nothing. But there is no point in England picking the 23-year-old if they don’t plan to give him the ball."

Arundell, still only 11 caps into his international career, has already shown flashes of brilliance.

"In his 11 caps so far, Arundell has shown just how good he is, even if his chances have been too sporadic. He scored with his second touch on debut in Australia in the summer of 2022 and scored five tries against Chile at the 2023 World Cup."

But while Woodward supports the overall shape of the team, he insists he would have made three key changes to the confirmed XV.

Seb Atkinson in for Fraser Dingwall

Woodward’s first alteration would come in midfield, where he would opt for Seb Atkinson’s power and directness.

Atkinson, a dynamic Gloucester centre known for his strong carrying and defensive edge, has been tipped as a future England regular.

Woodward said: ". I’d go for Seb Atkinson alongside Freeman. I’m sure he would have played in the autumn were it not for injury."

Henry Pollock in for Sam Underhill

The second change would see teenage sensation Henry Pollock handed a starting role in the back row.

Pollock, one of the most exciting young forwards in English rugby, has already built a reputation as a fearless ball-carrier with huge star potential.

Woodward wrote: "A guy like Pollock is someone fans want to see for 80 minutes. Pollock is already a rugby superstar, the sort of player you pay your ticket money to watch. I’m sure in time he will become a starter, but I believe he’s ready to begin games now."

George Furbank in for Freddie Steward

Finally, Woodward would bring George Furbank back into the side at full-back.

The Northampton Saints playmaker offers a more expansive, attacking style than Steward, with his passing and kicking adding another layer to England’s backline.

Woodward wrote: "Having George Furbank fit again at full back adds another strength to what is already a very good England team. With George Ford, Atkinson and Furbank all in the same side, England have the footballing ability to unleash their strike runners in Freeman, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Roebuck."