Steve Borthwick is a more adventurous selector than you think – here is the proof
Dropping Marcus Smith to the bench to pick a 32-year-old at full-back hardly screams progression, especially when you consider that Elliot Daly last wore the England 15 shirt in the autumn of 2020. But there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Steve Borthwick is future-proofing his team.
Sir Clive Woodward exposes two big England mistakes with Marcus Smith theory
Sir Clive Woodward believes England coach Steve Borthwick has made two major mistakes ahead of Sunday’s Six Nations clash with Italy. The Red Rose hold an outside chance of winning the championship following back-to-back victories over France and Scotland.

Marcus Smith brutally dropped by Steve Borthwick

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England predicted team v Italy: Steve Borthwick to let Fin Smith ‘run the show’ while experienced back ‘rewarded’ for bench cameos
England boss Steve Borthwick adamant dropped Marcus Smith still a ‘game-changer’
Steve Borthwick reveals Marcus Smith reaction to brutal England Six Nations axe
England v Italy match preview, coverage & key stats
Preview, team news and match facts as England continue their quest for a first Six Nations title since 2020 when they host Italy on Sunday.
The time for patience is over – England must finally deliver a complete Six Nations performance
Steve Borthwick’s side have a golden opportunity to end the Six Nations with four wins from five but performances have to come alongside results with Italy and Wales lying in wait
Fin and Marcus Smith’s relationship could define England for next decade
From Mr Smith, to Mr and Mr Smith, and now back to Mr Smith. Yes, England find themselves at something of a crossroads that could have implications beyond the next World Cup.
Six Nations: Steve Borthwick's England winning ugly but will game plan lead to sustained success?
The game plan and performance quality of England under Steve Borthwick has come into sharp focus despite successive one-point wins over France and Scotland; statistics from those Tests and the opening
Sub role for Smith and George joins 100 club – England v Italy talking points
England host Italy in the Guinness Six Nations on Sunday with the aim of building on recent wins over France and Scotland. Here, the PA news agency looks at five talking points heading into the Allianz Stadium showdown.