LIST | McGeechan's four England youngsters to shine in 2021

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Age: 24

McGeechan said: "Probably the closest of the English players on this list to an international call-up. Simmonds has quietly become an excellent fly-half with consistently good decision making and plays well under pressure. His kicking is incredibly accurate – there was a stage before Christmas when he was 26/26 in all competitions – and he has a great coaching group around him,"

DID YOU KNOW? Simmonds was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to rugby union football.

Age: 21

McGeechan said: "I have watched a lot of him. He never looks flustered on the ball, which is the hallmark of a great player and he has been in and around the England squad without yet being capped. But one to watch, certainly."

DID YOU KNOW? Smith was born in the Philippines to a British father and a Filipina mother

Age: 21

McGeechan said: "Obviously, I know his father well, so I have followed Cameron’s career fairly closely. I like what I see. Tall, rangy, more of a centre than a 10. He was part of the West Brom football academy for two years, which means he has a top-quality skill set and vision off the ball."

DID YOU KNOW? Bryan Redpath’s nickname as a player was “Basil” and whilst at Sale his son was given the nickname “boom boom” as a result due to the association with the children’s tv character Basil Brush.

McGeechan said: "Another chip off the old block. Paul Grayson, his father, was one of my favourite players to coach – just a very clever, tactical player. He and I used to have long conversations about what we wanted to do out on the pitch, either one-on-one or with Matt Dawson as well. And when I watch James play I can almost imagine the conversation he has had with his dad."

DID YOU KNOW? Despite now playing at fly-half, his Northampton school master had him play at scrum half and full back