Get ready for a rugby revolution! England's Six Nations 2026 squad is about to undergo a dramatic transformation as head coach Steve Borthwick prepares to overhaul the backline ahead of their crucial match against Italy. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a bold strategic move or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
With two injuries and a role change shaking things up, the backline could see an entirely new lineup compared to their previous clash with Ireland. And this is the part most people miss: Borthwick’s selections aren’t just about filling gaps—they’re about sparking a revival. Northampton’s Fin Smith is set to step into the fly-half role, replacing George Ford, while Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson is poised to make his mark as England’s inside centre in Rome. Meanwhile, Tommy Freeman is likely to shift from the wing to outside centre, filling in for the injured Ollie Lawrence. This means Tom Roebuck and Cadan Murley are tipped to start on the wings, replacing Henry Arundell and the benched Tommy Freeman.
The full-back position is where things get really interesting. George Furbank was expected to take over, but now Marcus Smith and Elliot Daly are in the running to replace Freddie Steward, who was subbed off during England’s 42-21 defeat to Ireland. With scrum-half Alex Mitchell injured, Ben Spencer is set to step up, adding another layer of change to the mix.
England veteran Danny Care believes Daly’s experience could be a game-changer in high-pressure situations. “He’s got a big left boot and a great aerial game,” Care told Rugby Union Weekly. “He’s been there, done that in the biggest Test matches.” But is experience enough to turn the tide? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Here’s the controversial take: Borthwick’s willingness to experiment—switching fly-halves, shuffling wingers into the centres, and constantly tinkering with the back three—shows he’s far more daring than he’s often credited for. However, completely overhauling the backline, even with forced changes, could be his most radical move yet. Cohesion, a buzzword last year, has been tossed aside in favor of fresh faces and untested combinations. For instance, Atkinson and Freeman have never played a single minute together as a centre partnership. Talk about a leap of faith!
To put it in perspective, the only time Atkinson and Smith started together was back in February 2022 for Worcester’s first team, before their paths diverged. So, is this justified? England’s recent performances—lacking tactical agility and basic accuracy—have been a far cry from the team that racked up 12 consecutive wins. Management might argue that squad depth, developed during tours like the summer trip to Argentina, is pointless if not used to shake things up. But at what cost?
Such drastic changes put immense strain on team dynamics. England’s players often praise their strong team spirit and culture, but that’s easy when you’re winning. This slump in form will truly test their mettle. While few of the dropped players can complain about their recent performances, some may feel they’ve earned enough credit during England’s winning streak to survive the cull. How the new backline gels and how the squad rallies for the Rome challenge will be fascinating to watch.
Thought-provoking question for you: Is Borthwick’s radical overhaul a necessary risk to reignite England’s Six Nations campaign, or is he sacrificing stability for the sake of experimentation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
