An unexpected injury to England’s star full-back, Freddie Steward, could dramatically reshape the team’s lineup for their upcoming clash against Fiji at Twickenham this Saturday. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this setback might just open the door for Marcus Smith to step into the spotlight. Could this be the opportunity Smith has been waiting for? Let’s dive in.
Following a commanding victory over Australia in their first November international, Steve Borthwick’s squad is gearing up for their next challenge against the Pacific Islanders. However, Steward’s hand injury, sustained during the Australia match, has thrown a wrench into the works. Despite visibly struggling in the second half, Steward remained on the pitch for the full 80 minutes, but reports suggest he won’t return to training until Thursday at the earliest. With George Furbank and Elliot Daly already sidelined, England’s full-back options are looking thin.
Enter Marcus Smith. While traditionally a fly-half, Smith transitioned to the No. 15 position last season with Harlequins to accommodate Fin Smith. Although he lacks Steward’s aerial dominance, Smith brings a dynamic running game that could prove invaluable against Fiji’s offloading-heavy style. Other candidates like Henry Slade, Tom Roebuck, or Henry Arundell could theoretically fill the role, but Smith seems the most natural fit—assuming Borthwick is willing to take the gamble.
And this is the part most people miss: Borthwick’s willingness to experiment. Against Australia, he benched in-form centers Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence in favor of Tommy Freeman at No. 13. With the All Blacks looming just a week later, will Borthwick continue to tinker with his lineup, or will he prioritize stability? It’s a fine line between innovation and risk, and fans are eagerly awaiting his next move.
Meanwhile, Saracens flanker Ben Earl has emerged as another wildcard. After scoring England’s first try against Australia, Earl expressed enthusiasm for a potential switch to midfield, specifically the No. 12 position. ‘I would love it,’ he said. ‘Just playing for England is the best—I’m buzzing to be involved.’ Earl’s versatility is part of a broader trend in the squad, where players like Henry Pollock and Ted Hill are proving they can excel in multiple roles. ‘It’s going to be a strength of our team going forward,’ Earl added.
But here’s the controversial bit: Is England’s reliance on hybrid players a stroke of genius or a recipe for chaos? While Earl credits meticulous preparation—including inspiration from The Last Dance, the Netflix documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls—for his try, some critics argue that over-experimentation could backfire against stronger opponents like the All Blacks. Earl himself acknowledges the calculated risks involved, noting, ‘We spend a lot of time working on where we think the ball’s going to go and gambling.’
So, what do you think? Is Borthwick’s experimental approach the key to unlocking England’s full potential, or is he playing with fire? Let us know in the comments below—this debate is far from over.
