#3. Zach Mercer
England risks squandering the talents of another standout player in Mercer. Despite not finding a spot in the current team, Mercer’s noteworthy performances over the past years should warrant him at least a consideration to join the squad and showcase his abilities under Steve Borthwick’s guidance.
The England head coach, who excluded Mercer from the Six Nations squad due to a perceived mismatch with his tactical approach, might benefit from setting aside personal preferences and taking a closer look at the accomplished Gloucester number 8.
Mercer, displaying a mature perspective, has decided to shift his focus away from international selection and concentrate on his contributions to Gloucester. Having previously represented England twice under Eddie Jones, Mercer found himself on the fringes of the Australian coach’s squad before making a move to Montpellier in the French Top 14 in 2020, rendering him ineligible for selection.
Thriving in the French league, Mercer secured a league title in his debut year and achieved the prestigious title of Top 14 Player of the Year in 2022. Despite the current omission from the national team, Mercer’s track record suggests that he could offer a valuable asset to the England setup if given the opportunity.
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