Steve Borthwick, head coach of the England national rugby team, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming Six Nations Tournament, featuring a mix of expected and more surprising selections. With a change in captaincy, the introduction of promising new faces, and some notable absences sparking debate, this revamped England squad now consists of 36 players determined to reclaim the trophy that has eluded the most successful European team since 2020.
A Fresh Wind Blowing Over England’s Squad
For this tournament, the biggest announcement from Steve Borthwick is undoubtedly the change in captaincy. The armband, worn by Jamie George during the previous campaign, will now be passed to the experienced Maro Itoje. A cornerstone of England’s defense and a natural leader, Itoje (88 caps, Saracens) brings physical presence and charisma to a strategic role. This change reflects Borthwick’s desire to address a persistent issue: finishing matches strongly. Over the past year, England has consistently performed well for the first 60 minutes of games but struggled in the closing stages. Furthermore, the automatic substitution of captain Jamie George, now 34 and no longer able to play full matches at the highest level, has contributed to this problem. By appointing Maro Itoje as captain, Borthwick aims to have a leader who remains on the pitch for the full 80 minutes, capable of keeping the team composed when fatigue sets in.
Beyond this leadership reshuffle, two players could earn their first international caps. Cadan Murley (Harlequins), an explosive winger, has impressed with his consistency and ability to break through defensive lines. Oscar Beard, another Harlequins player, stands out for his versatility between centre and wing, as well as his finishing ability. Meanwhile, Tom Willis, younger brother of Jack Willis and already capped once in 2023, also makes the squad. The Saracens back-rower has been making waves in the Premiership and European competitions, with many calling for his inclusion in the starting XV despite his relative inexperience. These newcomers, aged 25 and 23, embody the head coach’s desire to inject in-form talent while rejuvenating areas where England has struggled in recent seasons.
Questionable Absences: The Henry Pollock Case
While this squad signals a fresh start, it also includes some notable omissions. The absence of Henry Pollock, the Northampton Saints’ flanker, has raised eyebrows. Pollock, who has enjoyed an outstanding season with an average of 15 tackles per game and a constant impact at the breakdown, seemed like an obvious choice to bolster England’s forward pack. His exclusion has puzzled many observers, who speculate whether tactical or personal reasons influenced the decision, as he was widely expected not just to be in the squad but even in the starting XV.
Other absences, though less surprising, are still worth mentioning. The omissions of veterans like Joe Marler (recently retired) and Dan Cole (not selected), both key figures in England’s squad in recent years, signal a clear intent to move into a new era of English rugby. Conversely, the inclusion of several less experienced players highlights Borthwick’s preference for in-form and promising profiles, even at the expense of established names. While this strategy is bold, it could prove risky if the newcomers struggle to handle the intensity of international rugby and the high-level demands of the tournament. England’s opening match against Ireland on February 1st will provide an early indication of how well this approach is working.
England’s Full Squad for the Six Nations Tournament
Forwards:
- Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 6 caps)
- Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 23 caps)
- Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 caps)
- Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
- Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 11 caps)
- Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
- Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
- Theo Dan (Saracens, 16 caps)
- Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps)
- Ben Earl (Saracens, 37 caps)
- Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 66 caps) – vice-captain
- Jamie George (Saracens, 97 caps) – vice-captain
- Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 7 caps)
- Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
- Maro Itoje (Saracens, 88 caps) – captain
- George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 1 cap)
- Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 caps)
- Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 45 caps)
- Tom Willis (Saracens, 1 cap)
Backs:
- Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
- Elliot Daly (Saracens, 69 caps)
- Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
- George Ford (Sale Sharks, 98 caps)
- Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
- Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 31 caps)
- Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 18 caps)
- Cadan Murley (Harlequins, uncapped)
- Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 11 caps)
- Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 3 caps)
- Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 69 caps)
- Ollie Sleightholme (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
- Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
- Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 39 caps)
- Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
- Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)
