England Six Nations 2024 Journey with Fresh Faces and New Captains

John Eric
7 min readDec 28, 2023

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As the England Six Nations approaches, there are significant shifts within the team Owen Farrell, England’s longstanding captain, stepped away from international duties to prioritize his mental well-being, leaving a notable void in leadership. Retirements of seasoned veterans like Courtney Lawes, Jonny May, and Ben Young have paved the way for younger talents to step up.

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Injuries to key players like Freddie Steward and Henry Arundell may affect England Six Nations backline, posing challenges. Under the leadership of coach Steve Borthwick, there’s a focus on squad rebuilding and identifying new leaders, emphasizing defensive improvements and set-piece strengths, although their impact remains to be seen.

Fans are eager to witness the integration of fresh faces such as Marcus Smith and Ollie Chessum into the team dynamics. England Six Nations kicks off their campaign against Italy on February 3, facing away games against Scotland and France, while home matches versus Wales and Ireland are pivotal for their championship aspirations. Following a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2023, fans hold cautious optimism regarding Borthwick’s potential to steer the team toward success.

Other noteworthy points include Lawrence Dallaglio’s belief that Ollie Lawrence can thrive beyond the inside center position, Kyle Sinckler’s suggestion of more players prioritizing mental health, and ongoing discussions about England Six Nations back-row options and new captaincy prospects. Keep an eye out for updates and in-depth analysis as the tournament unfolds in February 2024.

England’s Transition and Tactical Shifts Six Nations 2024 Preparations

The changing landscape extends beyond these two legends, with speculation surrounding the futures of Jonny May, alongside seasoned props Dan Cole and Joe Marler. Their potential exits mark a significant shift in the team’s composition, prompting anticipation for fresh faces and new talent within the squad. As the rugby calendar hurtles forward, the England Six Nations looms merely a few months away.

Borthwick might leverage this tournament as a testing ground, introducing emerging talents as England Six Nations embarks on the journey towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The roster for the Six Nations could serve as a canvas for highlighting promising prospects and solidifying the foundation for the team’s future endeavors.

Heading into the upcoming England Six Nations campaign, there has been much debate surrounding Steve Borthwick’s experimentation with Harlequins’ Marcus Smith at fullback, a move that has divided opinions among supporters. Smith’s transition during the dominant victory over Chile highlighted his dynamism, yet against the physically imposing Fijians, he faced a tougher challenge, leaving him worse for wear.

Anticipating Borthwick’s strategy for the England Six Nations, it’s likely that he’ll persist with the ‘Smith-Fullback’ project, with Freddie Steward, a dependable asset, expected to assume the right-wing role as he did in the Third-Place Play-Off against Argentina. Steward’s adaptability from his strong performances with Leicester Tigers positions him well in this role. On the left wing, Borthwick could tap into Anthony Watson’s return to England duty, especially given Jonny May’s apparent retirement from international rugby.

Unveiling Strategies and Navigating Challenges in the Six Nations Campaign

Watson, initially part of Borthwick’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad but sidelined due to injury, now finds an opportunity with May’s departure. While the idea of Henry Arundell’s resurgence is enticing, the Racing 92 player might start on the bench initially in the England Six Nations fixtures, following a subdued end to his World Cup run, particularly in the bronze medal match against Argentina.

Arundell, despite earlier captivating displays for London Irish, might need to reassert himself to Borthwick’s plans, especially with his move to the French Top 14. However, his eligibility for the England Six Nations should secure him at least a spot in Borthwick’s match-day 23, providing a chance to prove his prowess once again on the international stage.

Looking ahead to the England Six Nations, the midfield combination of Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence appears to be Steve Borthwick’s prime choice. This decision comes in the wake of Joe Marchant’s move to Stade Francais, culminating in the conclusion of his lengthy nine-year tenure at Harlequins. Marchant, an influential figure for England during the Rugby World Cup, opted to remain in Paris, rendering him ineligible for further England appearances, although expressing ambitions for a return in the future.

Unlike the case of Henry Arundell, where circumstances were different due to London Irish’s financial collapse, Marchant’s voluntary switch to France has altered his eligibility for national selection. Consequently, the partnership of Tuilagi and Lawrence emerges as the leading midfield option for England Six Nations at present. The best game of the tournament is France vs England on March 16, 2024.

England’s Midfield Dynamics and Injury Challenges Six Nations 2024 Insights

Delving into the possibilities, Steve Borthwick has shown interest in Northampton’s Guy Porter, previously part of the wider training squad England Six Nations for the Rugby World Cup. Additionally, there might be a resurgence for Exeter Chiefs’ Henry Slade, seeking a return to England’s ranks after being omitted from Borthwick’s 33-man World Cup squad. The envisioned midfield duo is expected to bring powerful ball-carrying abilities, having last paired up for 29 minutes during the World Cup quarter-final against Fiji.

Furthermore, Borthwick could consider these options for the midfield landscape, bringing forth potential variations and strategies. However, the absence of Marchant due to his move and subsequent ineligibility reshapes the current midfield dynamics, emphasizing the Tuilagi-Lawrence combination as the linchpin for England Six Nations upcoming campaign.

Looking toward the England Six Nations, Wales might face the absence of a key player as Ospreys head coach Toby Booth confirmed a lengthy recovery period for Morgan, potentially sidelining him for the tournament that kicks off in February. Reflecting on Owen Farrell, former England rugby star Matt Dawson expressed reservations about the player in a candid statement earlier this year during the Rugby World Cup.

Dawson’s perspective differed from that of his ex-teammate, Lawrence Dallaglio, who advocated for Farrell’s inclusion in the upcoming match against Chile on ITV during the tournament. Dawson highlighted his observations about Farrell’s contributions on the field, expressing concerns about the perceived gap between Farrell’s off-field reputation and his on-pitch performances for England Six Nations. In contrast, he endorsed the idea of utilizing Marcus Smith off the bench to influence and potentially alter the course of a game.

England Challenges, Expectations, and the Road Ahead

Furthermore, Dawson expressed skepticism about England’s Six Nations chances of reaching the final, citing the heavy workload on Premiership teams as a hindrance. He emphasized the need for teams to demonstrate their competency in knockout matches, asserting that progressing from group stages differs significantly from winning decisive one-off matches under immense pressure.

In essence, Dawson’s commentary touches on Farrell’s impact, Smith’s potential role as a game-changer. And the challenges faced by Premiership teams, providing a perspective on England’s Six Nations journey in the upcoming tournament. The Investec Champions Cup has been captivating for both dedicated rugby enthusiasts and casual viewers. Presenting the type of content that should engage neutrals and undecided audiences.

Reflecting on Steve Borthwick’s tenure during the Rugby World Cup. It felt like he met expectations without exceeding or falling short of what I anticipated from that England team. As we approach the England Six Nations 2024 campaign.

The upcoming tournament serves as a crucial juncture. and England cannot afford to settle for second or third place without evolving their approach. Complacency will not suffice, especially considering their upcoming trip to New Zealand. Maintaining a mentality of assuming everything is fine risks a humbling experience in the summer matches.

England Six Nations must acknowledge the necessity for versatility in their strategies. They must diversify their game plans, ensuring adaptability to challenge and conquer any opponent they face on the field. Developing multiple approaches becomes crucial to remain competitive and successful against a variety of opposition styles.

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John Eric

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