Tom Willis and Max Ojomo could be called up to the England squad for the Six Nations opener against Ireland, with Ojomo potentially making his Test debut.
Head coach Scott Borthwick will name a squad for the 2025 tournament opener on Tuesday, January 14 at 11:30 a.m., which could be a game-changer.
England lost five consecutive Tests, starting with last summer’s two Test tours in New Zealand, the autumn international against the All Blacks, and matches against Australia and South Africa, but they turned out to be victorious in their final match against Japan. I’m back.
Willis and Ojoma are expected to be called up, while scrum-half Alex Mitchell is also set to return to the squad after missing the autumn games due to injury.
Sale scrum-half Raffi Quirke might also be worth mentioning as an alternative option off the bench, but it will be interesting to see how England fill the hole left in the side by Immanuel Fay-Waboso’s absence.
The 22-year-old will miss all Six Nations games after dislocating his shoulder while on duty at Exeter last month.
England will face defending champions Ireland on February 1st in their opening Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Borthwick’s team defeated Ireland at Twickenham in last year’s tournament, denying Ireland a Grand Slam title.
2024 Six Nations, England beat Ireland at Twickenham
“Willis will be recognized for his outstanding performance.”
James Cole of Sky Sports News:
The players who are raising their hands higher than anyone else to be called up to Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad are: Tom Willis. Saracens’ number eight has been outstanding for the club this season.
Willis is a very strong ball carrier and always seems to be closing the distance. And his recent performance against Bristol was one of his best individual performances of the season.
There is growing demand for Willis to start at number eight ahead of Saracens team-mate Ben Earl in the opening Six Nations game between England and Ireland in Dublin on February 1.
That’s certainly high praise – and means he should be in the shot when Borthwick announces his wider squad on Tuesday.
Will Max Ojomo make his England Test debut against Ireland?
Another unestablished knock on the international door is the Birth Center. Max OjomoSon of former England back-rower Steve. He is uncapped but was called up to England’s training camp during last year’s Six Nations and has caught Borthwick’s attention.
He is also in great form, with recent performances against Northampton and Clermont. His silky handling skills and smart running lines make him a standout talent. and, ollie lawrence and henry slade They are almost certain to continue as part of England’s midfield duo, with Ojomo more focused than ever.
The Two Smiths – Marcus and Finn – Names are definitely mentioned, but opinions differ as to who starts with the 10.
Will Marcus Smith be selected again at number 10 for England in the opening game of the Six Nations?
The volatile Marcus has a unique ability to carve up defenses from anywhere on the field, but his game management at international level has been called into question since England’s fall camp ended poorly. And with full-back George Furbank injured, Borthwick may consider changing Harlequins’ 10-man squad to 15.
But there is no debate over who should start at scrum-half in Dublin. Return of Northampton alex mitchell Recovery from injury is a big boost. Borthwick was unsure of his pecking order, but switched between three different nines during the autumn: Ben Spencer, Harry Randall and Jack van Portvliet.
Mitchell’s return will add pace and fluidity to England’s attack, as well as further control of their kicking game.
With only five wins out of 12 in 2024, this feels like a make-or-break year for England and Borthwick. And there is no tougher start to the Six Nations than back-to-back weekends between Ireland and France.
Six Nations 2025 fixtures: England
- February 1st: Ireland (a)
- February 8th: France (h)
- February 22nd: Scotland (h)
- March 9th: Italy (h)
- March 15th: Wales (a)
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