SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: The standout pick in England's Six Nations squad and why Steve Borthwick HAS to start 'priceless' player against Wales, a Northampton star unlucky to miss out and the centre pairing I think is perfect
Of the 36 players named in England’s 2026 Six Nations squad on Friday, one name stood out for me – George Furbank.Steve Borthwick’s side will go into the championship on the back of an 11-Test winning streak – one which makes them genuine title contenders. The return of Furbank only serves to make England an even stronger team and I would certainly start him at full-back for the opening game with Wales. The Northampton man has had a pretty tough 18 months since breaking his arm, but there is no doubt to me that when fit, he provides a real point of difference from No 15.Furbank offers England the priceless option of a second playmaker alongside George Ford as the likely fly-half.When Furbank has been on the sidelines, Borthwick has gone with either Freddie Steward or Marcus Smith at full-back. Elliot Daly is another option there. But I’ve been consistent in my view that Smith is not an international 15 under any circumstances. Steward has evolved his attacking game and we all know how good he is in the air. But for me he does not have the out-and-out pace required or the passing ability to be a second play-maker, which this team needs given the talent they have out wide. The return of George Furbank after 18 difficult months since breaking his arm only serves to make England an even stronger team Furbank offers England the priceless option of a second playmaker alongside George Ford as the likely fly-halfWith Furbank in his place, I believe England can rival the likes of South Africa and France.To me, international rugby has always been about playing with pace and Furbank’s presence can only help England do that. All the top teams today play at breakneck speed and combine that with raw power. England are in such a fortunate position to have so many genuinely world-class outside backs that they simply have to make use of them.Furbank is key to getting the ball to the likes of Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in the wide channels.As No 10, Ford will guide the ship. But Furbank can come in alongside him when needed and spread the ball both left and right.Crucially, he is also a specialist in his position, which I think is essential if you want to win at the very highest level.Unfortunately, given Wales’ awful struggles both on and off the field, there is simply no way they can beat England in round one. So, even if Furbank hasn’t had much game time, he has to play the opener.Borthwick needs to see what shape he’s in going into the Scotland game the following weekend.That is going to be a huge, huge clash. A successful Six Nations will centre on England winning at Murrayfield. To me, international rugby has always been about playing with pace and Northampton Saints star Furbank’s presence can only help England do that I’ve been consistent in my view that Marcus Smith is not an international full-back under any circumstancesEngland will have to be at their very best to beat a Scotland team who are very much in a corner at the moment, but with talent to beat anybody on their day. Forget France in Paris on the final weekend for now, because that can wait.England have to go to Edinburgh knowing what their best team is and so long as he remains fit, Furbank should be in that side. One player I think is unlucky not to have been given a shot is George Hendy. When Furbank has been on the sidelines, his Northampton colleague Hendy has really impressed me.Hendy runs brilliant lines and is far better than just a Furbank replacement. That might be why Northampton seem willing to let Furbank leave for Harlequins, although that deal is not yet done.Looking at the potential back-line England could pick from their wider squad, it is one that provides several different options. Borthwick is in a great position. His challenge is to pick the right combinations.If I were in his shoes, I would have Seb Atkinson and Freeman as the centre pairing outside Alex Mitchell and Ford as No’s 9 and 10. With Ford, Atkinson and Furbank all on the field at 10, 12 and 15 respectively, I believe England can have a great balance to their game. For too long, England became preoccupied with having a physical presence or a ball carrier – a term I hate – at inside centre. Often, that was Manu Tuilagi. You need more than that to be successful at the highest level today.Borthwick has Fraser Dingwall, Atkinson and Max Ojomoh as No 12 options and all are fine players. Judging from what I saw of him on last summer’s tour of Argentina, I would pick Gloucester’s Atkinson alongside Freeman. He looks like a player who can do it all to me. He’s a strong distributor but can also muscle up well defensively when needed. Northampton's George Hendy was unlucky not to make the England squad - he has really impressed me of late I would pick Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson alongside Tommy Freeman at centre. He looks like a player who can do it all to meEven with some injury concerns at prop, England have a squad more than capable of winning this Six Nations. Indeed, you could make the argument they have the most settled team.Their big rivals are France and Ireland. France have left out star men Damian Penaud, Gregory Alldritt and Gael Fickou. It seems clear Fabien Galthie is keen to rebuild the French.Ireland, meanwhile, have an ageing team and Andy Farrell has also picked plenty of fresh blood.England, by contrast, have a really consistent look about them. That might seem boring, but it is far from that. Winning 11 of their 12 matches in 2025 represented a great year for Borthwick and 2026 could be just as good, if not even better.With Furbank back in their team, England can go up a notch again.
