England Six Nations Squad 2025

[Reiser99]

F Smith showed he's can be a test level FH but that doesn't mean Marcus isn't. F Smith might be more suited to England or might I say England might suit F Smith more due to the way we play.

I also hate to say this but Marcus didn't play that well at FB but I do think he could be outstanding there with time (not that I want that).

For me the big issue with Marcus is consistency. He's just not reliable enough game to game or even over 80 minutes. I feel he's had enough time to make the shirt his own and he hasn't taken it. Maybe it's being behind a beaten pack, but based on this performance Fin has to start next week.

 

[Geordie]

For me the big issue with Marcus is consistency. He's just not reliable enough game to game or even over 80 minutes. I feel he's had enough time to make the shirt his own and he hasn't taken it. Maybe it's being behind a beaten pack, but based on this performance Fin has to start next week.

I would tend to agree... but it becomes interesting for FB. Quins simply wont move Marcus to 15...and For the last few games before his injury Furbank wasnt great at all.

So do you pick a player who wont play in that position for his club or Hope Furbank comes back and hits form...

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

For me the big issue with Marcus is consistency. He's just not reliable enough game to game or even over 80 minutes. I feel he's had enough time to make the shirt his own and he hasn't taken it. Maybe it's being behind a beaten pack, but based on this performance Fin has to start next week.

This is such an odd take imo. Barring today, Marcus has consistently been England's best player over the past 12 months at least

 

[Reiser99]

This is such an odd take imo. Barring today, Marcus has consistently been England's best player over the past 12 months at least

I'd disagree on best. He's definitely played very well in some games, but not all. Don't get me wrong, other players have been the same. However, I feel over 80 minutes Marcus doesn't have a consistent impact and it's waiting for him to spark something rather than consistently being a threat. The attack looked so different under Fin once he settled. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, especially after one game, but our attack looked far better than it has done recently and ultimately Marcus was the one leading it before.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Stuart was good in the scrum, but I don't remember hearing his name once in open play. Feel like he's still holding the shirt until someone younger really steps up.

Oh that's harsh. He was prominent in at least one try.

France's first - it was his silly throwback that gave them possession.

But if we've got a TH doing fine in the scrum against a decent scrummaging outfit I'll take that all day long.

 

[TommiG88]

F Smith showed he's can be a test level FH but that doesn't mean Marcus isn't. F Smith might be more suited to England or might I say England might suit F Smith more due to the way we play.

I also hate to say this but Marcus didn't play that well at FB but I do think he could be outstanding there with time (not that I want that).

I couldn't agree more than this.

One thing I noticed with Smith at FB that may have been sheer luck. He was positioned well that during France's breaks in the first half, he wasn't letting the situation become a simple run in

 

[TommiG88]

Barring injury, I would like to see same the 23 for the next game.

My only issue is Slade, but I'm hoping we move on from him after the 6nations and blood some new centres in the summer. Would like to Ojomoh / Lawrence partnership, as the pair of them have looked brilliant for Bath recently.

 

[Ragey Erasmus]

Borthwick is basically a robot

Does not compute, Borthbot must consult the spreadsheet to confirm

 

[Geordie]

Chessum will give SB a selection dilemma...he looked very good when he came on.

But until he's fully match fit maybe used as an impact sub is a great player to bring on.

What did people think of Martin's performance..

 

[LIONSxv]

Chessum will give SB a selection dilemma...he looked very good when he came on.

But until he's fully match fit maybe used as an impact sub is a great player to bring on.

What did people think of Martin's performance..

Mixed bag from Martin, he really needs to improve his line out and carrying was ineffective but v good ruck work and scrum worked well

 

[BrokenWing]

He's loving it.

 

[BPM]

I think it's reaching the point where it's just naked, unjustified hate from a shameful old man.

 

[TommiG88]

I think it's reaching the point where it's just naked, unjustified hate from a shameful old man.

Couldn't agree more. Thoroughly embarrassing

 

[Which Tyler]

Stephen Jones is someone I've spent a good 20+ years trying to ignore.
But that is just ridiculous.

Yes, Fin has earned the right to a run of games, and I've thought for a year or two that he's the better option of the Smiths; but Marcus at FB is absolutely valid, and absolutely no way should Marcus be discarded

 

[Saintjay]

Marcus shouldn't be first choice fullback other than for the right game plan and tactics, you could also argue the same for the 10 jersey.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Next time out, I'd just make the one change with Chessum starting. I'm a bit neutral whether that's at 6, which I think SB wants, or in the row. But I think we need what he brings.