England team to play Wales: Borthwick springs surprise selection
Today at 07:24 AM
Steve Borthwick names his England team to play Wales with his side still in contention for the 2025 Six Nations title.
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England must overcome a struggling Welsh side—on a brutal 16-Test losing streak—to keep their championship hopes alive heading into the final round.
In a bold selection move, Borthwick is set to hand Sale Sharks winger Tom Roebuck his first Test start, Telegraph Sport reports.
The England boss is set to confirm his England team to play Wales this afternoon.
The 24-year-old has three England caps but has never featured in a Six Nations squad. Now, he's expected to make his full debut in the fiery atmosphere of the Principality Stadium, replacing Northampton's Ollie Sleightholme, who bagged two tries in the 47-24 victory over Italy.
Scroll down for the England team to play Wales.
Six Nations title race: What England need to win it all
With just two rounds to go, England, France, Ireland, and Scotland all remain in the hunt for the 2025 Six Nations title—though some have a clearer path than others.
For England to lift the trophy, the simplest route is to beat Wales with a bonus point while France fail to beat Scotland.
If France edge past Scotland without a bonus point, England would need a big points difference swing—plus a bonus-point win—to snatch the title.
There's also an outside chance for Steve Borthwick's side even if they draw with a bonus point or lose while picking up two bonus points, but only if both France and Ireland fail to win.
Previous encounters
2024: England 16-14 Wales
2023: England 19-17 Wales
2023: Wales 20-9 England
2023: Wales 10-20 England
2022: England 23-19 Wales
England team to play Wales (Expected)
England: 15-Smith, 14-Freeman, 13-Daly, 12-Dingwall, 11-Roebuck; 10-F Smith, 9-Mitchell; 1-Genge, 2-George, 3-Stuart, 4-Itoje (capt), 5-Chessum, 6-T Curry, 7-Earl, 8-T Willis.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Win a trip to the 2025 Lions tour
- "Ollie Lawrence Achilles Injury" – 5 Things You Missed: England 47-24 Italy
- Three players Borthwick must change despite smashing Italy – who should replace them
- 2025 Six Nations Team of the Week: Round 4
- England Player Ratings vs Italy: 2025 Six Nations
- Italy player ratings vs England: 2025 Six Nations
Four surprise contenders for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour
The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour might seem a long way off, but the Six Nations is already shaping the selection race.
While established names dominate predictions, a few unexpected players are forcing their way into contention.
Whether it’s experienced heads rediscovering form or rising stars making a statement, here are four potential bolters who could book a ticket to Australia next year.
Elliot Daly (England) – The veteran bolter
A “bolter” is usually an uncapped or emerging star, but Elliot Daly is flipping that narrative. Already a two-time Lions tourist (2017, 2021), the England utility back wasn't in many early squad predictions.
However, his composed performances this Six Nations have made Farrell take notice. With five Lions Test caps and the ability to cover multiple positions, Daly's experience could prove invaluable when selection time comes around.
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