In just three days England begin their long journey across Europe to kick-off their Six Nations campaign. Steve Borthwick has named his 36-man squad and they will fly to Spain for their warm-up camp on Wednesday, before heading direct to Dublin to take on Ireland.
![[Marcus Smith was England’s standout player in the Autumn, but failed to get the team firing]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/16/94242865-14299647-image-a-59_1737217382113.jpg)
Ange Postecoglou’s book about attacking football has been on Borthwick’s reading list and the coach is now hoping to discover his own brand of high-intensity rugby. The decision has been made for Maro Itoje to lead the charge at captain but there are plenty of other big decisions for Borthwick to make.
![[Fin Smith has proved to be a more effective facilitator to bring his team-mates into the action]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/16/94242891-14299647-image-a-60_1737217444253.jpg)
England head coach Steve Borthwick has big decisions to make ahead of the Six Nations. Marcus Smith was England’s standout player during a disappointing autumn campaign but he has struggled to get the team firing. With more than two years remaining until the World Cup, now is the time to experiment with new combinations. England have a squad loaded with speed and the key is to find the space for them to run free.
![[Selecting Freddie Steward as a winger could offer support if Marcus Smith is selected deep]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/16/94242967-14299647-image-a-62_1737217685021.jpg)
Fin Smith does not have as many dazzling moments as his namesake, but he is seen as a more effective facilitator to bring his team-mates into the action. He has a ready-mate half-back combination with his Northampton team-mate Alex Mitchell and deserves a shot in the No10 jersey, off the back of guiding his club to the 2024 Premiership title.
![[Luke Cowan-Dickie has the chance to make the No 2 jersey his own in the England defence]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/18/16/94243027-14299647-image-m-64_1737217907886.jpg)
