The Six Nations injury nightmare for England as Smith hobbles off the training field

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England has encountered a significant injury concern ahead of the Six Nations as Marcus Smith left training with a leg injury, later seen using crutches. Smith was scheduled for a scan on Monday night, adding to Steve Borthwick’s challenges in finalizing the fly-half plans for the opening match against Italy on Saturday in Rome.

If Smith is unable to play against Italy, it would be a notable setback, particularly with Owen Farrell opting out. During the World Cup, Smith filled in as a makeshift full-back, and without Farrell, the 24-year-old Harlequins fly-half was aiming to secure the No. 10 position. The England training camp in Girona is already missing several key players from the World Cup backline, including the unavailable Farrell, injured Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence, and players Marc

The potential absence of Marcus Smith might lead to George Ford starting for England, but Coach Borthwick could also consider giving a debut to the in-form Fin Smith, with George Furbank as a less conventional option. Richard Wigglesworth, the England attack coach, expressed concern, stating, “If he is not [fit], it would definitely be a blow.” Wigglesworth explained that Smith’s injury wasn’t from a major incident but occurred while jogging, right next to a physio on the sideline.

George Ford has faced recent injury issues, receiving two knee injections this month and missing Sale’s Champions Cup trip to South Africa. Although he returned for the game against La Rochelle, Ford relinquished goalkicking duties late in the match. Wigglesworth assured that Ford is fully operational and attributed his decision to stop kicking for Sale to some knee pain affecting his kicking at the end of the snap.

Fin Smith, currently in top form as the Premiership’s No. 10, led Northampton to the top of the table and delivered an outstanding performance in their remarkable away victory over Munster before joining the England squad. Despite not yet winning his first cap, Saturday’s match in Rome seems like an opportune moment to introduce the 21-year-old, who is also eligible for Scotland, either as a starter or a substitute. Wigglesworth described Smith as a character keen on improvement.

“He possesses a winning mentality and a winning edge, which I appreciate. It’s commendable how he has propelled his team forward at Northampton, making a significant impact. As a young man of 21, he impressively offers valuable opinions on the attack, providing proactive solutions. I strongly desire him to continue doing so.”

With Lawrence currently unavailable, Wigglesworth is optimistic about the return of players like Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Martin to the squad in a week or two. In the absence of certain players, Henry Slade is emerging as the experienced figure in midfield. Despite being a surprising omission from the World Cup squad, the 30-year-old has been in excellent form for Exeter, delivering crucial late match-winning contributions. However, Slade’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and he revealed that he has not yet received any concrete offers.

“I’m currently in discussions with Exeter about my future,” Slade stated. “Rob Baxter seems interested in keeping me around, so I’m hopeful for a favorable offer. The prospect of playing for England is fantastic and is a significant factor in keeping me in the country. I need to assess the available options before making a decision. While I am more than willing to continue with Exeter, having been with them throughout my career, I’ll make my choice when I have a clear understanding of the offers on the table.”

In England’s training camp, Slade is accompanied by Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ethan Roots, both part of the uncapped contingent in Borthwick’s squad. Feyi-Waboso had the option to represent Wales but chose England, and Slade disclosed his role in the 21-year-old winger’s decision. “He had a discussion with me about England, while Dafydd Jenkins talked to him about Wales, and Joe Hawkins captured a picture of it,” Slade mentioned. “It seems like I won that conversation! I wasn’t aware of the other options he had, but he has left a really positive impression.”