Sir Clive Woodward believes England coach Steve Borthwick has made two major mistakes ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations clash with Italy. The Red Rose hold an outside chance of winning the championship following back-to-back victories over France and Scotland.
Dropping Marcus Smith to the bench to pick a 32-year-old at full-back hardly screams progression, especially when you consider that Elliot Daly last wore the England 15 shirt in the autumn of 2020. But there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Steve Borthwick is future-proofing his team.
Marcus Smith brutally dropped by Steve Borthwick
‘I don’t think Marcus Smith came across well at all’ – Sir Clive Woodward claims Steve Borthwick ‘sending a message’ to dropped England star
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England boss Steve Borthwick adamant dropped Marcus Smith still a ‘game-changer’
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Steve Borthwick reveals Marcus Smith reaction to brutal England Six Nations axe
Preview, team news and match facts as England continue their quest for a first Six Nations title since 2020 when they host Italy on Sunday.
Steve Borthwick’s side have a golden opportunity to end the Six Nations with four wins from five but performances have to come alongside results with Italy and Wales lying in wait
From Mr Smith, to Mr and Mr Smith, and now back to Mr Smith. Yes, England find themselves at something of a crossroads that could have implications beyond the next World Cup.
England are still in the fight for the championship, and will need to beat Italy on home soil to continue their charge.
After England’s Calcutta Cup win, I wrote that Marcus Smith was approaching the time when he would have to sit down with Steve Borthwick and insist on playing No 10. Being versatile can count ...
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