"Two world-class players” – Telegraph rank England’s FIVE best current players
Rugby NewsWednesday, 13 April 2022 at 16:20
England head coach Eddie Jones believes they will need five 'world-class' player in order to have a serious chance of winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Telegraph scribe has been having a look at their best current stars, coming to the conclusion that they only have two players that would fit that description right now.
Below, take a look at who they believe are England's best current players.
#5. Freddie Steward
- Age: 21
- Position: Fullback
- Club: Leicester Tigers
They said: "New to international rugby, with just five caps, but the giant Leicester full-back already looks to the manor born."
RUCK's verdict: Comfortable under the high ball, he has all the attributes needed to become a world-class fullback.
Freddie Steward of England goes over for a try during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#4. Henry Slade
- Age: 28
- Position: Centre
- Club: Exeter Chiefs
They said: "The next cab on the rank. When the 28-year-old Exeter centre fires as he did against South Africa last year or Ireland in 2019 he is red hot."
RUCK's verdict: It's hard to imagine that Slade will get that much better than he is now. Looks much more comfortable at 13.
Henry Slade of England kicks the conversion during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#3. Marcus Smith
- Age: 22
- Position: Fly-half
- Club: Harlequins
They said: "The 22-year-old fly-half’s body of work at international level is too small to judge but certainly heading in the right direction.
RUCK's verdict: An international superstar in the making, you just hope Jones hands him the keys to the kingdom.
Marcus Smith of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Tom Curry
- Age: 23
- Position: Flanker
- Club: Sale Sharks
They said: "The 2019 World Cup was his launchpad, and his trajectory has kept on rising ever since. The 22-year-old manages to do a half decent job at No 8 but his natural home is at openside."
RUCK's verdict: How is he just 23? Definitely one of England's world-class players
Tom Curry of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#1. Maro Itoje
- Age: 27
- Position: Lock
- Club: Saracens
They said: "Once called a Vauxhall Viva by Eddie Jones, now a fully fledged Rolls Royce."
RUCK's verdict: Best second-row in the world right now, the Sarries powerhouse should be England captain
Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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