Five players criminally underused by England boss Steve Borthwick
01/06/2025 02:32 AM
Steve Borthwick may have guided England to a respectable showing at the Rugby World Cup, but his player selection has left fans scratching their heads.
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While some stars have been given countless opportunities, others have been left out in the cold, despite their undeniable talent and impressive club form.
Here are five players criminally underused by the England head coach.
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1. Zach Mercer – The forgotten man
After a sensational stint at Montpellier, Mercer returned to the Premiership with high hopes of reclaiming his England jersey. Let's not forget, he was crowned Top 14 Player of the Year — an accolade that speaks volumes about his world-class ability.
Yet, despite making the bold move back to Gloucester to ensure eligibility, he's been completely overlooked by Borthwick. Fans and pundits alike are baffled at how a player of his caliber hasn't even been given a chance to shine on the international stage.
2. Tom Willis – The Saracens standout
Following a strong spell in France, Tom Willis has been lighting up the Premiership since joining Saracens. His athleticism and breakdown work have been nothing short of outstanding, making him a vital asset for his club.
However, much like Mercer, Willis' return to English soil has seemingly gone unnoticed by the national selectors. With England's back-row depth in question, this snub feels particularly unjust.
3. Jamie Blamire – A hooker with a nose for the try line
Blamire's scoring record as a hooker is second to none, yet playing for Newcastle Falcons seems to have hurt his England prospects. Despite his ability to consistently cross the whitewash, Borthwick has opted for other options in the front row.
With England's attack often struggling to find that clinical edge, Blamire's exclusion raises serious questions about the team's selection strategy.
4. Cadan Murley – The Premiership's most consistent winger
For years now, Murley has been tearing up defences in the Premiership, establishing himself as one of the most reliable finishers in the league. Yet, despite his electric form for Harlequins, Borthwick has failed to reward him with a regular spot in the England squad.
Fans are left wondering what more Murley has to do to convince the selectors that he's ready for the international stage.
5. Fin Smith – Scotland's gain?
While Smith has been a regular squad member, his actual game time for England has been minimal. The young fly-half has shown immense promise for Northampton Saints but has yet to be given the trust to run the show in the England jersey.
With Scottish ancestry in his back pocket, some might argue he'd have been better off pledging his allegiance to Scotland, where opportunities might have come far quicker.
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QUIZ: Can you name these 10 England one-cap wonders…
These “one-cap wonders” might have been on the brink of a promising international career, unlucky with competition in their position, or simply never got another chance after their debut.
Test your knowledge and see if you can remember these players who had their brief moment in the England jersey!
More Quizzes:
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