Former England head coach Sir Clive Woodward believes that the decision to drop Marcus Smith could be a “pivotal moment” for Steve Borthwick and the playmaker. The 26-year-old began the Six Nations as the national team’s first choice fly-half after a stellar 2024 which saw the Harlequins star establish himself in the XV.

He believes that the player has "impact" and can be unleashed from the bench when there is fatigue on the pitch. Read more at straitstimes.com.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has justified his decision to drop Marcus Smith as a way of 'unleashing' him in off the bench against Italy.

However, former Wales and Lions No.10 Dan Biggar has now urged Borthwick to change his tactics, accusing him of stifling the play of half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. He also argued that criticism from supporters shouldn’t be aimed at the players themselves.

England coach Steve Borthwick insists Marcus Smith can remain a "game-changer" despite dropping him to the bench for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham.

By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) -England have dropped Marcus Smith for Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham with Elliot Daly replacing him as coach Steve Borthwick makes three changes to the line-up that began the narrow victory over Scotland.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his 23-man England squad to take on Italy in the fourth round of the Six Nations Championship.

England coach Steve Borthwick has dropped Marcus Smith from his starting side for the Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday. With Fin Smith retained at fly-half in the team announced by Borthwick on Wednesday,