England set for drastic overhaul as Steve Borthwick plans mass changes following Ireland embarrassment
England head coach Steve Borthwick and versatile back Tommy Freeman, who is the only player set to keep his place behind the scrum.
England appear set to name a completely new backline for this weekend’s game against Italy with Steve Borthwick wielding the axe following their defeat to Ireland.
The Red Rose head coach kept faith with the majority of the backs that lost the Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland, with Ollie Lawrence’s inclusion the only personnel change a week later, but his patience has evidently run out.
In response to that shocking 42-21 loss to Andy Farrell’s men in the third round of the Six Nations, only Tommy Freeman looks set to keep his place behind the scrum, according to The Times.
They are reporting that he will shift from wing to centre, however, which means that every position will contain a different player following the Ireland shambles.
Injuries
Injury has partially forced Borthwick’s hand with Alex Mitchell and Lawrence certainly out of the Italy match, but there is no doubt that the England boss was not impressed by their clunky showing last time out.
Lawrence may have been dropped anyway given that he struggled against the Irishmen and there are other selections which will be form-based.
It is understood that Cadan Murley will take over from Henry Arundell on the left wing, with the Bath flyer struggling in the past two matches after a hat-trick showing in the victory over Wales.
There is a thought that Arundell does not fit England’s aerial approach and Murley will offer a greater chasing threat, as well as a better work rate.
He is set to be joined in the back three by Tom Roebuck, who returns to the XV after missing out against Ireland, and potentially Marcus Smith.
Freddie Steward is likely to be dropped, but for who is the main question. George Furbank and Elliot Daly are both options at full-back but, according to The Times, Smith is the favourite.
Why both Smiths could start
That may come as a surprise, given that Steward remains one of their best players under a high ball and suits Borthwick’s style, but the selection at centre perhaps dictates that an extra playmaker is needed.
As already stated, Freeman looks set to be given the 13 jersey and he could well be partnered by Seb Atkinson in the midfield, another powerful ball carrier.
While Atkinson possesses a varied skill set, which enables him to off-load in traffic, he is not a natural creative presence in the way Marcus Smith or Furbank are.
Having two hefty carriers at centre will therefore help Fin Smith, who will likely take the reins from George Ford at fly-half.
The Northampton Saint has barely featured for England since the 2025 Six Nations, but he could well come in for Saturday’s clash in Rome, with Ben Spencer completing the backline at scrum-half.
With the two Smiths selected in the starting XV, it means that Ford is likely to dropped from the squad altogether having struggled in the recent losses.
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