England Autumn squad ranked from "Key Player" to "Must Drop"
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England ended their Autumn Nations Series on a high note, demolishing Japan 59-14 in a scintillating display at Twickenham.
After three heart-wrenching defeats to New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s side finally found their groove, securing their first win since June's 52-17 victory over Japan.
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Borthwick's Breakthrough
The pressure was mounting after a series of narrow losses this season, but England's emphatic performance on Sunday provided a much-needed confidence boost.
The nine-try rout showcased what this team is capable of when firing on all cylinders. Notably, in their previous matches against the All Blacks and Springboks, England's attack had struggled to ignite until the latter stages of the game. This time, they dominated from the outset.
As England looks ahead to the Six Nations, it's clear that Borthwick has some big decisions to make. Who should stay, who should go, and who could be the future stars of this squad? Let's break it down.
Key Players – The Backbone of England's Squad
Maro Itoje – The Tower of Power
A talisman in the pack, Itoje's work rate and leadership are invaluable.
Marcus Smith – The Maverick Fly-Half
Smith's flair adds an unpredictable edge to England's attack.
Chandler Cunningham-South – The Rising Star
A breakout performer this series, Cunningham-South has cemented his place.
Ben Earl – The Breakdown Beast
Earl's dynamism has been a standout feature in England's game.
George Furbank – Mr. Reliable
Furbank offers versatility and a steady pair of hands in the backline.
Jamie George – Hooker Extraordinaire
His experience and precision at the set-piece remain crucial.
Sam Underhill – The Tackling Machine
When fit, Underhill is one of the best defensive players in the world.
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Talented Youngsters – The Future of England Rugby
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Electric Pace
A raw talent with the potential to become England's next superstar.
Fin Smith – The Playmaker
Smith's game management is already turning heads.
Ollie Sleightholme – The Speedster
Blistering pace makes Sleightholme a constant threat.
Fin Baxter – The Next Big Thing in the Front Row
Baxter's scrummaging power is beyond his years.
Asher Opoku-Fordjour – A Name to Remember
This youngster is making waves with his impressive performances.
Luke Northmore – Under the Radar
A versatile back who has shown glimpses of brilliance.
Useful to Have in the Squad – Solid Contributors
George Ford – The Veteran Fly-Half
Ford's composure and leadership remain assets.
Ben Spencer – The Steady Scrum-Half
Dependable and consistent, Spencer keeps the game ticking.
Freddie Steward – The Safe Pair of Hands
Arguably the best under the high ball, Steward is a key figure.
Ellis Genge – The Enforcer
Genge's physicality and passion set the tone for England's pack.
Tom Curry – The Warrior
A consistent performer with an immense work rate.
Will Stuart – Reliable Front-Row
Stuart's scrummaging strength is a key asset for the team.
Dan Cole – The Veteran Prop
Experience and a cool head under pressure make Cole invaluable.
Tommy Freeman – The Versatile Back
Freeman's adaptability across the backline adds depth.
George Martin – Promising Forward
Martin has shown great potential as a young lock.
Jury Is Out – Prove Your Worth
Trevor Davison – Needs More Opportunities
Promising but yet to consistently impress at the highest level.
Theo Dan – Finding His Feet
Dan's potential is clear, but he needs more experience to thrive.
Ollie Lawrence – Hot and Cold
Moments of brilliance offset by inconsistency.
Jack van Poortvliet – Learning Curve
Flashes of talent but must sharpen his decision-making.
Nick Isiekwe – Yet to Convince
Isiekwe's performances have been mixed; consistency is key.
Ted Hill – More to Prove
Hill has potential but needs to step up in key moments.
Time to Drop – No Longer Fit for Purpose
Henry Slade – A Shadow of His Former Self
Once a guaranteed starter, Slade's influence has waned.
Elliot Daly – Out of Favour
Daly's performances have failed to justify his selection.
Charlie Ewels – Fading Impact
Injury setbacks and inconsistency have left Ewels on the fringes.
Harry Randall – Struggling to Shine
The pacey scrum-half hasn't delivered on his promise.
Ben Curry – Falling Short
Despite early promise, Curry has struggled to make a lasting impact.
Alex Lozowski – Peripheral Figure
Lozowski hasn't festured.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – Out of Favour
Injuries and form have kept Cowan-Dickie from his best.
Alex Coles – Not Stepping Up
Coles has yet to make a significant impression at this level.
Alex Dombrandt – Disappointing Series
A lack of impact leaves questions over his place in the squad.
Editors Picks:
- Owen Farrell's younger brother is taking Irish Rugby by storm!
- Statement: Ireland international centre jailed for three years
- Liam Williams leaves Japan and returns to the UK immediately to care for wife
- Piers Morgan Drops His All-Time British & Irish Lions Dream Team
Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
Whether it’s the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.
Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let’s see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!
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