Statement: England star ruled out, replacement called up

Rugby News
Tuesday, 04 February 2025 at 10:00
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Saracens star Alex Lozowski has been drafted into England’s squad ahead of their crunch Six Nations showdown against France at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, 8 February.
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The versatile back comes in as a replacement for Harlequins winger Cadan Murley, who has been ruled out through injury.
Steve Borthwick's men will be looking to bounce back after their opening-round defeat to Ireland, with Lozowski adding valuable experience and versatility to the backline options.
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Editors Picks:

    PREDICTOR GAME:

    Four players England should drop – and who Steve Borthwick should replace them with

    For England, it’s a sixth defeat in seven matches under Borthwick and a baptism of fire for Maro Itoje in his first game since replacing Jamie George as captain.
    With a crucial clash against France at the Allianz Stadium up next, here are four changes Borthwick must consider.

    #1. Freddie Steward

    Telegraph 4/10: "His worst nightmare of facing a scrum half in open space recurred as Gibson-Park did him dirty as badly as Grant Williams had. England need more than a safety blanket at full back."
    Replacement: George Hendy

    #2. Cadan Murley

    Planet Rugby 4/10: "Had a great moment early on when he scored a debut try but a bit rabbit in the headlights after that. Made a couple of errors no Test player should ever really make, quite frankly. Murley should be backed next weekend as you can see the talent and potential, but it was a big learning curve in Dublin"
    Guardian 5/10: "Quickly snaffled a try on debut, but later invited pressure on teammates twice with a serious lack of composure in defence."
    Telegraph 4/10: "After what set to be a dream debut, scoring a try after eight minutes, Ireland turned his life into a nightmare, forcing into some horrible naive errors."
    Evening Standard 5/10: "Got off to a flyer on his debut by scoring inside the opening 10 minutes. Had a tough second half, though, and was shaky on kick defence. Did assist Curry’s try."
    Replacement: Tom Roebuck

    #3. Alex Mitchell

    Planet Rugby 5/10: " Kicking was good in the first half and he brought some good tempo to the game, but Mitchell struggled to control the game after the interval."
    Telegraph 5/10: "Done all ends up after showing Lowe the outside for Gibson-Park’s try. A few other uncharacteristic errors but then England’s attack stopped functioning when he went off."
    The Sun 5/10: "Returning scrum half brought calmness but the missed tackle on Lowe, just as Smith was getting ready to return, was critical."
    Replacement: Harry Randall

    #4. Ben Earl

    Mail Online 5/10: "Dropped restart after England's early opener but one strong ruck clear-out showed his menace. Made way for Saracens team-mate Tom Willis."
    Rugby Pass 5/10: "The third openside in the England back row, he was eclipsed by what the Curry twins achieved and gone by the 56th minute. While a show of wheels helped lead to the penalty that got England 10-5 up just before the break, some rearguard work wasn’t up to scratch. For instance, his soft knock-on at the 7-0 restart. There were also too many missed tackles."
    Replacement: Tom Willis

    PREDICTOR GAME:

    You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz

    The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
    From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
    Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
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