Owen Farrell: England centre’s return hailed by Martin Gleeson ahead of Australia series

Adam Kyriacou 23 May 2022 12:45 PM

England attack coach Martin Gleeson has seen renewed hunger from Owen Farrell as he returns to the international fold after an injury-hit period.

Farrell had an ankle problem late last year and missed the Six Nations with a separate issue, with his comeback for Saracens a boost for club and country.

He will now hope to reclaim his jersey in the England side, along with the captaincy, as the squad prepares for their three-Test series against Australia.

Hungry after his lay-off

“Owen is key for us, a really important figure within the squad. He’s been great. He drives a lot of the behaviours, the attitude, the desire in the team,” Gleeson said during a three-day training camp.

“The guy is hungry. He has had a big lay-off, got injured in the Aussie game, missed the Six Nations.

“He just wants to play rugby, he’s a rugby player, he loves it out there and every day he loves it. He’s a student of the game and is speaking about stuff all the time.

“The thing with Owen is that he’s a good all-round footballer, he can play at the line, he can organise, he can kick well. He has a full range of attributes.

“It’s good to have him back in camp, really good to have his presence back again. I think it’s going to be a massive positive for the group.”

Many expect Farrell to slot back into the number 12 shirt alongside fly-half Marcus Smith, with Gleeson keen to see that combination flourish in time.

“In the autumn him and Marcus got on really well. They do work together really well,” he revealed.

“I think Owen can free up Marcus a little bit so he doesn’t have too much to think about.

“Marcus plays with a smile on his face, plays what he sees and is pretty instinctive. Owen can be really controlled and methodical. The combination of those two from what I’ve seen is a good one.

“We have little groups with him, me and Marcus, speaking about what we need to do. We do that together with some other players that lead the attack.”

However, one of the standout stories from England’s recent squad selection was the inclusion of 19-year-old sensation Henry Arundell, who has impressed Glesson this season.

“Henry’s a really good talent. He’s got speed. He’s a big lad for a winger, well built. He’s got phenomenal talent and he’s shown that in recent weeks,” he said.

“He’s a young kid and I can’t wait to see him on the training field to see how he gets on in this different environment.”