England ace outlines ‘deliberate’ attacking strategy as honest admission made on role
England centre Fraser Dingwall has taken a key role in the England attack in recent Tests
Often referred to as the ‘glue’ player within England’s attack, Fraser Dingwall is very much an understated yet pivotal cog in Steve Borthwick’s side.
The Northampton Saints back has had to bide his time to become an integral part of the side. He made his Test debut in England’s gutsy win over Italy in the 2024 Six Nations, but featured just once more in that Championship, against Wales, before losing his spot to Ollie Lawrence come round three. It was a similar tale a year after, too, featuring in England’s Six Nations outings against Italy and Wales, this time at the end of the Championship.
But, after a strong Autumn Nations Series campaign, Steve Borthwick entrusted him to take up a starring role in the England attack against Wales in their Six Nations opener.
‘More and more, you can see the growth in our attack’
The Saints star repaid that faith with interest. Only George Ford and Alex Mitchell notched more passes than him across the 80 minutes for England, while he also grabbed two assists.
His ability to step in at first receiver was also a huge part of England’s shape, and particularly their kicking strategy, given it allowed Ford to sit back into those deeper pockets, but it doesn’t just happen by chance.
“It will just be as the attacking phase and shape play out,” Dingwall explained. “There’ll be times where the 12 will become the ball-player and do a lot more of the work, probably when it’s in tight and how we can then move the ball into a little bit of space outside for Fordy to come in and get involved in.
“With all that stuff, it’s based around the talk that goes on between us and how quickly we can get on the same page on what we want to do. It allows us to be really clear.
“It really is something I’m enjoying,” he added. “More and more, you can see the growth in our attack and growth in how we want to play.”
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Something very noticeable, and potentially different to years past, was England’s desire to inject speed into the game at various points. The backline seemed to immediately set into position at the scrum or lineout, ready to launch a strikeplay, while quick-taps from penalties became a frequent part of their attack as the game wore on.
“It’s something you have to be very deliberate about,” Dingwall said. “It’s not something that happens without preparation and intent.
“You have to focus on ways we can play fast and find ways to get speed into the game, and you do that by your preparation and training.
“When it comes to game time, it comes down to how engaged you can be to take these opportunities and how engaged you can be to move to things fast.”
The centre will once again play a key role for his side this weekend, after being named in an unchanged backline alongside Freddie Steward, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman, Henry Arundell, George Ford and Alex Mitchell, where his status as the ‘glue’ player will be tested to its absolute extreme.