Six players released from England squad including underperforming Ollie Hassell-Collins

byRugby Rucker

Steve Borthwick has retained a 26-player England squad for this weekend’s Guinness Six Nations match against Wales.

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England will travel to Cardiff to face Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday 25 February (4.45pm KO).

Sale Sharks trio Tom Curry, Jonny Hill and Manu Tuilagi have all been released from the squad.

Leicester prop Joe Heyes, London Irish winger Ollie Hassell-Collins and Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith have also returned to their club.

Wales v England is live on BBC One and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Five England players massively underperforming this six Nations

England are enduring a difficult period and have won just one of their last four Six Nations matches, with the recent win against Italy doing little to alleviate the pressure.

The RFU board are understood to be convinced that Steve Borthwick is the right man for the role having replaced Eddie Jones in December, but they accept it may be a struggle against the likes of France and Ireland.

Several big names have underperformed for England in the opening two rounds, whose significant squad shake up under the new head coach has failed to provide the desired results or performances to date.

Here are five England pllayers who are massively underperforming this Six Nations.

#1. Ollie Hassell-Collins

Age: 24
Position: Fullback
Average rating: 5 (Mail Online)

It hasn’t worked out. The most noteworthy thing about the London Irish speedster has been his groovy nail-polish rather than anything he has produced on the field.

He touched the ball only twice before being substituted against Italy, with his replacement Henry Arundell scoring with his first touch.

MAIL ONLINE PLAYER RATINGS:

vs Scotland: "First touch was poor and second one was a boot, went looking for work." - 5/10

vs Ireland: "Quiet. Only touched the ball twice. Still awaiting time and space to run." - 5/10

#2. Freddie Steward

Age: 22
Position: Fullback
Average rating: 6/10 (Mail Online)

The fullback is another who has struggled in England’s malfunctioning backline, with the Tigers star having come in for criticism following a series of sub-standard performances.

At fault for a try In both matches so far, his defence is now seriously being questioned.

MAIL ONLINE PLAYER RATINGS:

vs Scotland: "Did the business under the high stuff but missing for Scots’ second try." - 6/10

vs Ireland: "Italy negated high-ball strength by not kicking into his territory." - 6/10

#3. Alex Dombrandt

Age: 25
Position: Number 8
Average rating: 5.5 (Mail Online)

There’s been little of the impressive all-action displays that led to the Harlequins number 8 displacing Billy Vunipola as England's premier No.8.

MAIL ONLINE PLAYER RATINGS:

vs Scotland: "Mixed bag for the Harlequins No.8 with dropped balls and some inspiration." - 5/10

vs Ireland: "Made more carries than anyone for England but yet to deliver a world-class performance." - 6/10

#4. Joe Marchant

Age: 26
Position: Centre
Average rating: 5 (Mail Online)

Two different head coaches have now tried and failed to bring the best from him on a consistent basis.

With a move to Stade Francais this summer, Marchant may have won his last cap for England.

MAIL ONLINE PLAYER RATINGS:

vs Scotland: "Slipped off tackle for Scots’ second score and England’s midfield misfired again." - 5/10

#5. Marcus Smith

Age: 24
Position: Fly-half
Average rating: 5 (Mail Online)

The 24-year-old is into his second Six Nations and the same questions remain from his initial arrival to the international scene in 2021.

Can he turn the flashes of terrific talent into consistent end product?

The answer appear no closer after an underwhelming start to the 2023 campaign, one which has seen the Quins playmaker dropped for the more experienced Owen Farrell.