Ollie Lawrence’s Injury and England’s Midfield Dilemma
Ollie Lawrence’s concerning Achilles tendon injury during England’s victory over Italy last Sunday has created a significant gap in the midfield for the upcoming Six Nations showdown against Wales this Saturday. The Welsh team, currently reeling from a grim streak of 16 consecutive losses, will undoubtedly pose a fierce challenge. England must carefully consider their midfield selection as they aim to secure the Six Nations title amidst the pressure of a roaring Principality Stadium crowd.
When Lawrence was stretchered off, confusion briefly enveloped the England players regarding their positioning. Elliot Daly appeared to be shifting towards the wing, which would have meant Tommy Freeman moving up a position from the wing, as he had done in the closing moments of previous matches this season. A quick discussion on the sidelines was necessary, resulting in Marcus Smith taking over at full-back, with Daly shifting to centre and Freeman remaining on the wing. This situation highlighted a potential issue with head coach Steve Borthwick’s bench depth, which included only a scrum-half and a non-centre back.
Looking ahead, Fraser Dingwall could retain his position as England’s No. 12 in Cardiff, given his capability to defend both narrow and wide. Alternatively, Henry Slade may step in, or Borthwick could explore more unconventional options. The question remains: who will fill the crucial No. 13 spot in place of Lawrence?
Tommy Freeman
Tommy Freeman, at just 24, has made a notable impact by scoring in each of England’s four Six Nations matches this season. Should he find the try line again on Saturday, he would become the first player to achieve this feat in all five matches of a championship. This remarkable scoring rate is precisely what England desires from their wings. Furthermore, keeping Freeman on the wing preserves the cohesion that Borthwick values, and his height of 1.89m is pivotal for England’s kick-chase and aerial defense.
Recently, Freeman expressed his intent to remain on the wing for the remainder of this season and possibly for a future Lions tour. Though he did not clarify if this was directed by his club, England, or potential Lions selectors, Northampton coach Phil Dowson indicated, “Wing is primarily where we see him.” In the past, some pundits, including Ireland’s legendary Brian O’Driscoll, expressed concerns about Freeman’s defensive capabilities after he was outmaneuvered by Marcus Smith for a try in a league match. Despite this, Freeman has experience playing at centre for Northampton when injuries struck, and Dowson has praised his skills: “He’s a big man, he’s fast, he can pass the ball. He’s got nice skills, he’s got a soft touch, decent offload. He can zip a pass.” While both Northampton and England see potential in Freeman as a centre, Borthwick has yet to test him in that role from the outset.
Henry Slade
Henry Slade was omitted from last week’s lineup after participating in 15 consecutive Tests, primarily alongside Lawrence. Known for his playmaking at 12 and defensive duties at 13, Slade is often criticized for lacking the “power runner” attribute that Lawrence possesses at Bath. While Lawrence’s strength is frequently highlighted, it is his agility that helps him break through defenses. There are growing concerns regarding England’s physicality if they choose a combination of Dingwall and Slade or Slade and Daly in the midfield.
Elliot Daly
The versatile Elliot Daly, at 32 years old, presents a complex narrative in his career. His primary role has often been described as that of a “utility player.” Many analysts argue that Daly’s most effective position is outside centre, where his adept handling and left-footed kicking can provide balance to the midfield. However, there are lingering doubts about his defensive capabilities, and he must seamlessly integrate with the other midfielders.
Daly made his senior debut for Wasps in 2010, initially shining as an outside centre. Over the years, he has showcased his versatility, playing full-back and wing, even scoring a memorable try as England’s No. 11 in Cardiff during the 2017 Six Nations. He transitioned to full-back in 2018-19 and even started the 2019 World Cup final in that position. His club, Saracens, has rotated him through various roles, largely to optimize team resources. In 2021, he began the first Test on the Lions tour at No. 13, yet in recent times for England, he has mostly occupied the full-back role. Having missed the autumn series, Daly made his return to the starting lineup against Italy, stepping in during a period when George Furbank was injured.
Oscar Beard
Oscar Beard, a 23-year-old from Harlequins, has been part of the England squad for some time. He donned the No. 13 jersey for the national A team against an Australian XV in November and has played extensively for his club. With the speed and physicality ideal for the position, Beard is likely to make a strong impression in training this week, vying for Borthwick’s attention. While an away match in Cardiff may seem daunting for a debut, Beard is well-versed in England’s tactics and calls.
Max Ojomoh
Max Ojomoh, a Bath player, was recently called into the England squad and wore the No. 13 jersey for the England A team during their recent victory over Ireland A. Known for his agility and ball-handling skills, Ojomoh, like Beard, could surprise many if given the chance to make his Test debut in Cardiff. Both players feel they have proven themselves worthy of consideration.
Exploring Forward Options
Considering other possibilities, could Ben Earl or Ted Hill step into the centres? While they could manage for a few plays, neither would be a long-term solution. On the other hand, tighthead prop Will Stuart, known for his strength, showcased his agility during the match against Italy, which could be an interesting consideration.
Final Thoughts
If Borthwick prioritizes continuity, the likely England backline in Cardiff would feature: 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Henry Slade or Elliot Daly, 14 Tommy Freeman, and 15 Elliot Daly or Marcus Smith. Should England require a more robust presence at No. 13, options like Freeman or Oscar Beard could be viable. The i Paper suggests experimenting with Beard in the lineup: 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith, 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Oscar Beard, 14 Tommy Freeman, and 15 Elliot Daly.
