Ford Returns to No.10 as Borthwick Rewards Summer Form
George Ford will start at fly-half for England in their opening Quilter Nations Series match against Australia this Saturday at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has opted for experience, with Ford reclaiming the No.10 shirt after guiding England to a Test series win over Argentina during the summer. Northampton’s Fin Smith drops to the bench, while Marcus Smith misses out entirely on the 23-man squad.
Ford, who boasts over 100 Test caps, was instrumental in England’s composed performances during the Argentina tour, displaying tactical control and an accurate kicking game that Borthwick clearly values ahead of the Wallabies clash.
“Right now, with our three fly-halves, any could start. But George’s leadership and quality in the summer were excellent. We want to continue that momentum,” Borthwick told BBC Sport.
Freeman Moves to Centre as Dingwall Partnership Continues
In a bold move, Tommy Freeman shifts from the wing to outside centre (No.13), where he will partner his Northampton Saints teammate Fraser Dingwall. The pair impressed in England’s Six Nations win over Wales and continue to form Borthwick’s preferred midfield axis.
Freeman’s versatility and power make him an intriguing selection in midfield. Teammate and scrum-half Alex Mitchell praised the decision, saying:
“He’ll be as good at 13 as he is on the wing. He’s got the speed, power, and understanding to dominate. It’s going to be exciting to see how he goes.”
Dingwall, 26, retains his place ahead of Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) and Ollie Lawrence, who only recently returned from a long-term Achilles injury.
Roebuck and Feyi-Waboso Start on the Wings
Tom Roebuck and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso have been named on the wings, both rewarded for their strong club form.
Roebuck, 24, scored twice in the first Argentina Test and continues to shine as a consistent finisher. Feyi-Waboso, 22, has rediscovered top form after suspension, with seven Premiership tries this season for Exeter.
At full-back, Freddie Steward returns to his familiar role after Marcus Smith’s Six Nations experiments in the position. Steward scored in every match of the summer series and remains one of England’s most dependable performers.
Borthwick resisted calls to hand a debut to 19-year-old Saracens wing Noah Caluori, who recently made headlines after scoring five tries on his Premiership debut.
Experienced Pack with Pepper and Underhill in Back Row
In the forwards, Borthwick maintains the back-row combination that impressed in Argentina. Rising star Guy Pepper earns his fourth cap, joining Sam Underhill and Ben Earl.
Pepper, just 22, is seen as a future leader in the back row — powerful at the breakdown and a valuable line-out option. England captain Maro Itoje partners Ollie Chessum in the engine room, while Luke Cowan-Dickie is set to make his 50th cap appearance from the bench.
Tom Curry also returns after a long injury absence, named among the replacements and poised for his first appearance of the season.
Full England Team to Face Australia
Starting XV:
Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Feyi-Waboso; Ford, Mitchell; Baxter, George, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Chessum, Pepper, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements:
Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Coles, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, F Smith.
Depth and Experience Behind England’s Selection
Borthwick emphasised that England’s growing squad depth allows for competition and rotation in key positions. Six British and Irish Lions are named on the bench, including the returning Curry and Henry Pollock, giving England flexibility to finish strongly.
“The message this selection gives is the strength and depth of this England squad,” Borthwick said. “Each player is there for a specific purpose.”
After narrow late defeats to Australia and New Zealand last autumn, England will be determined to start this campaign with conviction. Ford’s control, Freeman’s versatility, and Borthwick’s focus on consistency all signal a side built for balance and precision.
Leave a Reply