Steve Borthwick snubs Owen Farrell as England recall looks ‘unlikely’

Here are the major players currently out of favour:

Once England’s iron-willed skipper and talisman, Owen Farrell now finds himself on the outside looking in.

The 32-year-old shocked the rugby world when he stepped back from Test rugby last year, citing the relentless “poison” of social media abuse. While he’s hinted at a potential return, Farrell has been clear with Borthwick: he only wants to be selected on merit, not reputation.

The problem? England’s fly-half stocks are bursting. George Ford remains a trusted lieutenant, Fin Smith has emerged as a genuine game-changer at just 22, and Marcus Smith was handed a central contract ahead of Farrell – a major statement from the RFU.

Farrell is back with Saracens after an injury-troubled stint at Racing 92, but with Maro Itoje installed as captain and England’s attack finally clicking without him, Borthwick may well decide the time has come to move forward.

A legend of the shirt, but one whose England story could already be written.

Not long ago, Freddie Steward was seen as England’s most reliable player. Under the high ball, he was untouchable. Defensively, he was a wall. At just 23, he looked set to hold the 15 shirt for a decade.

But in a shock move, Borthwick has pivoted towards Marcus Smith at fullback – despite the Harlequins star being anything but a specialist in the role. It’s a bold gamble, but one that has left Steward out in the cold.

The Leicester Tiger’s exclusion highlights just how ruthless Borthwick can be. Under almost any other coach, Steward would be a guaranteed starter. Instead, his once-ironclad position has vanished almost overnight.

Fans are scratching their heads, and you can’t help but feel sympathy for a player who hasn’t exactly put a foot wrong.

Last year looked like the making of Theo Dan. The explosive hooker was billed as the natural successor to Jamie George and even made the 2023 World Cup squad.

But the rise has been followed by a rapid fall. Dan was among the players denied a central contract, and he now finds himself behind George and the resurgent Luke Cowan-Dickie in the pecking order.

At just 23, time is still on his side, but unless he forces his way back at club level, Dan risks becoming another England nearly-man.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been eight years since Joe Cokanasiga first broke into the England set-up as a teenager. His size, speed, and raw power drew early comparisons to Jonah Lomu – but he’s never quite lived up to that billing.

Despite 14 caps, the Bath winger has never nailed down a regular starting role. He was given a lifeline before the 2023 World Cup, only to be brutally axed after a quiet warm-up display against Wales.

Cokanasiga has impressed at times in the Premiership this season, but Borthwick has not been swayed. Sources suggest the England boss has been clear about what the winger needs to improve, yet with younger, more versatile backs emerging, his international career is fading fast.

A player with all the physical tools, but one who may be remembered as unfulfilled potential in the white shirt.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!