Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, has made it clear that Marcus Smith is still a key player for his team, despite facing criticism after a few noticeable mistakes in their recent match against France.

Smith, who played as full-back in the Six Nations showdown, will retain his position for the upcoming Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland.

The England boss is showing unwavering support for the 26-year-old playmaker, even as some outside voices have raised doubts.

Borthwick Stands Firm in Support of Smith

Borthwick’s decision to keep Smith in the team speaks volumes about his confidence in the Harlequins star.

While Smith made an impact with his creative play against France in the 26-25 victory, he also missed a couple of goal attempts, which had some questioning his form.

However, Borthwick isn’t swayed by external criticism.

He sees Smith as a game-changer, capable of drawing attention from opponents and creating space for his teammates.

The coach believes the partnership between Smith and Fin Smith in the backline will be crucial for the upcoming game against Scotland.

Marcus Smith Remains First-Choice Goal Kicker

Despite missing some key kicks in the last match, Smith will continue to handle goal-kicking duties for England.

Fin Smith had briefly stepped in during the France game to convert a crucial kick, but Borthwick is adamant that Marcus is a world-class kicker.

He reassured everyone that there is no hesitation or doubt in his mind about Smith’s abilities. “He’s a world-class goal-kicker.

We all know that,” said Borthwick, showing his firm belief in the player’s potential.

A Change in the Forward Pack

The England coach made only one change to the starting lineup for the Scotland match, with Ollie Chessum replacing George Martin in the second row.

Martin, who has been dealing with a knee injury, had been able to train earlier in the week but Borthwick opted to rotate his second rows.

Chessum, who missed the previous summer tour and autumn Tests due to injury, has impressed the coach with his leadership and presence on the field.

Chessum’s Leadership and Development

Chessum’s growth as a leader is something that Borthwick has witnessed firsthand.

Having worked with him at Leicester Tigers, Borthwick is familiar with the young forward’s potential.

Chessum has emerged as a key figure in England’s pack and is already making a name for himself as a lineout leader.

Borthwick praised his work ethic and the respect he commands within the team.

Despite injury setbacks, Chessum has shown determination and a positive attitude, making him a valuable asset to England’s squad.

Looking Ahead to the Scotland Match

With the Scotland game fast approaching, Borthwick is determined to keep the focus on the strengths of his team.

He’s confident that with players like Marcus Smith and Ollie Chessum, England has the talent and leadership to secure a win.

While the pressure of the Calcutta Cup is always high, Borthwick’s steady management of his squad reflects his belief in their abilities, and he’s ready for the challenge ahead.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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