Get ready for some thrilling rugby action as England's Six Nations squad is revealed!
Uncapped Youth and Experienced Veterans: A Balanced Approach
England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, has selected a squad that showcases the perfect blend of youth and experience. One of the standout selections is Vilikesa 'Billy' Sela, a 20-year-old prop with an impressive track record. Sela's inclusion is a testament to his potential, as he joins a group of seasoned players in the tighthead position.
But here's where it gets interesting... Exeter's Greg Fisilau, a formidable number eight, has also been rewarded for his exceptional club form. His addition to the back row group adds depth and competition to an already talented lineup.
And this is the part most people miss: Gloucester's Arthur Clarke, who missed last year's Six Nations due to injury, is back and included among the second rows. His return is a boost to England's defensive prowess.
In the loosehead prop position, Northampton's Emmanuel Iyogun, who started both England A fixtures in the autumn, steps up to provide cover.
However, not everyone made the cut. Saracens' Noah Caluori and Northampton duo George Hendy and Ollie Sleightholme missed out on back-three slots, with the likes of Bath's Henry Arundell, Harlequins' Cadan Murley, and the experienced Elliot Daly taking their places.
Northampton's George Furbank, despite a recent injury-plagued period, is also part of the squad. His inclusion highlights the trust Borthwick has in his ability to contribute.
Unfortunately, Leicester's Adam Radwan's hopes were dashed by an untimely leg injury. His absence creates an opportunity for others to step up and showcase their skills.
In the scrum-half position, Jack van Poortvliet of Leicester Tigers joins Alex Mitchell and Ben Spencer, providing depth and competition.
There are some injury concerns to note. Centre Ollie Lawrence, wing Tom Roebuck, flanker Ben Curry, and fly-half Fin Smith are all undergoing rehabilitation alongside the 36-strong squad. Their availability for the tournament opener against Wales on February 7th is uncertain.
Loosehead prop Fin Baxter will definitely miss that fixture due to a foot injury, but he's expected to return in time for the remainder of England's campaign.
Sela will be competing with Trevor Davison to cover Joe Heyes on the opposite side of the scrum. It's a battle between youth and experience, and Borthwick's decision will be closely watched.
Overall, England's head coach finds himself in a position of strength. The midfield, once a concern, now boasts a range of options with Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh challenging more established names.
"We've picked a squad with a good balance of experience, leadership, and exciting potential," Borthwick said. With an 11-match winning streak under their belt, England aims to continue their dominance in the Guinness Six Nations.
The tournament schedule sees England take on Wales at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium, followed by matches against Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and France.
Forwards:
- Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
- Arthur Clark (Gloucester)
- Alex Coles (Northampton Saints)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks)
- Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
- Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
- Theo Dan (Saracens)
- Trevor Davison (Northampton)
- Ben Earl (Saracens)
- Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
- Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
- Jamie George (Saracens)
- Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
- Maro Itoje (Saracens)
- Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton Saints)
- Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby)
- Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
- Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks)
- Vilikesa Sela (Bath Rugby)
- Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby)
Backs:
- Henry Arundell (Bath Rugby)
- Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
- Elliot Daly (Saracens)
- Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
- George Ford (Sale Sharks)
- Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
- George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
- Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
- Cadan Murley (Harlequins)
- Max Ojomoh (Bath Rugby)
- Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
- Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
- Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby)
- Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
- Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)
Rehabilitation in Girona:
- Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
- Ben Curry (Sale Sharks)
- Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
- Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks)
- Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Sela's inclusion is a nod to England's successful 2024 Under-20 World Cup-winning side, which produced a crop of exceptional prop prospects. Another notable name is Asher Opoku-Fordjour, who would have been included if not for a shoulder injury.
An Achilles tendon injury also ruled out Will Stuart of Bath, who had a breakthrough season last year, culminating in his selection for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
With Stuart and Opoku-Fordjour unavailable, Borthwick has opted for the experienced Trevor Davison and the youthful enthusiasm of Sela. It's a decision that will spark debate among rugby enthusiasts.
Which player will Borthwick choose for his matchday 23? It's a fascinating question, as Borthwick's clever use of the bench during the autumn series showcased his ability to impact matches. Davison and Sela bring different strengths, but only one can be chosen.
So, who will it be? The debate is open, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Will Borthwick stick with experience or give youth a chance? It's a decision that could shape England's Six Nations campaign.
