SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Steve Borthwick must be more daring - here's who I would make England captain for the Six Nations, the uncapped wonderkid who should start immediately and the solution to the midfield crisis
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I was England coach when Steve Borthwick won his first cap as a 22-year-old in a 48-17 victory over France back in 2001. He also came off the bench in a famous victory against Australia in Melbourne in 2002. Years later, I remember how pleased I was to see him at the heart of Japan's success at the 2015 World Cup, kicking off his coaching career with such a unique experience.
![[Two years out from the World Cup, now is the time to start experimenting - and dropping stars]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/19/94049433-14279959-image-a-39_1736797561337.jpg)
I am not the first to describe Borthwick as a man of great humility, and as a coach much has been written of his meticulous attention to detail. These are wonderful traits, but in 2025 I would urge Borthwick to add another characteristic to his repertoire. Daring.
![[England would be faster and more unpredictable if Borthwick had the guts to drop captain Jamie George among others]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/19/94049437-14279959-image-a-40_1736797617547.jpg)
We are two years out from the World Cup and it's time to make a statement. Selection is the single most important skillset as a coach. It is your greatest weapon, especially when you need to inspire a reaction and snap out of a funk. It's good to have consistency in selection but there are a few players who are being selected based upon what they have done in the past.
![[I would make Maro Itoje captain as he is the only one who never comes off for club or country]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/19/94049451-14279959-image-m-42_1736797740550.jpg)
People make a big deal out of dropping players, but often it can be the best thing for them. I look at guys like Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Henry Slade and Jamie George and cannot help but think England would be a faster and more unpredictable attacking team without them.
![[It's time to give uncapped prodigy Henry Pollock a chance in the back row - that would be a test to opposition coaches (pictured for England A)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/19/94049639-14279959-image-a-50_1736798126412.jpg)
You must never pick young players for the sake of it, that can end in disaster, but if they're as good as the older player then make the change and give it a go. It's amazing how well the youngster will play when they know they have been given their shot, the influence it has on the whole group, and how well the dropped player responds too.
![[Bath's Alfie Barbeary deserves a shot at hooker and would set up up nicely long-term]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/20/94049913-14279959-image-a-55_1736798518942.jpg)
