I don’t read the news as journalists are mostly scum I’m afraid. There are a few good ones but on the whole just no.
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England 2025/26
- Thread starter TRF_Olyy
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Is Freeman the best winger around at the moment?
Imo yes. He doesn't really have a weak point in his game (notwithstanding the try he got stood up for earlier). Positioning, finishing, pace, aerial ability, breaking tackles, defence. He's got it all really.
Maybe stick him at 7 for half a season to work on his jackaling
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Nice profile on Bamber. He sounds just like my idea of a lock. Olyy's said he's been going well, so definitely one to keep an eye on.
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Feyi Waboso and Freeman are my clear wingers for England currently. Could be a devastating attack if we played with any form of attacking structure. I live in hope!
With Blackett in place and the pack looking strong and balanced I am actually hopeful...
We still need a FB though, Marcus is probably the best bet at the moment as Freddie just isn’t mobile enough as we’ve seen time and time again. But then Marcus hasn’t really been in too much form and hasn’t been playing FB.
Freeman could cover but he’s not played FB apart from one game in about the last 3 years.
From the squad I’d be tempted to go
Genge LCD Stuart
Itoje Chessum
Coles Earl
CCS
Mitchell Fin
IFW Freeman
Dingwall Lawrence
M Smith
George
Baxter
Heyes
Underhill
Pollock
Spencer
Ford
Murley/ Arundell
Then have underhill off the bench after 50 and move Earl to 8. We all know we play better with 3 locks on the pitch
.
Although maybe he’ll go Coles n the bench and a underhill Earl combo which would also be great.
Freeman could cover but he’s not played FB apart from one game in about the last 3 years.
From the squad I’d be tempted to go
Genge LCD Stuart
Itoje Chessum
Coles Earl
CCS
Mitchell Fin
IFW Freeman
Dingwall Lawrence
M Smith
George
Baxter
Heyes
Underhill
Pollock
Spencer
Ford
Murley/ Arundell
Then have underhill off the bench after 50 and move Earl to 8. We all know we play better with 3 locks on the pitch
.Although maybe he’ll go Coles n the bench and a underhill Earl combo which would also be great.
God I really hope we don't go into the autumn with Smith as first choice 15
It's preferable to Arundel there, but still a nightmare - especially after the Lions
Not sure how in the know the TNT commentary are (think they're all ex teammates of current England coaches) but they seemed pretty sure Freeman at 13 was gonna happen for England this autumn
It's preferable to Arundel there, but still a nightmare - especially after the Lions
Not sure how in the know the TNT commentary are (think they're all ex teammates of current England coaches) but they seemed pretty sure Freeman at 13 was gonna happen for England this autumn
I really hope he gets a chance in the A games. England's crying out for a proper huge tough lock, even better if he can nail the Lineout At this level as well.
Martin is increasingly frustrating.
Im not sold on Freeman at 13 yet. He's one of the best wingers in the world now. Him and Waboso should be on the wings, but moving around the back line appropriately. That's a hell of a wing combo.
Yeah, but.... Borthwick
True, though In fairness it's not just Borthwick, there's been calls to give him the 13 shirt. Probably because he's such a rounded player., and our centre options were dire.
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Not keen on Freeman at 13 when there is little reason to say Lawrence needs replacing.
Lawrence to 12 was their reasoning, as Atkinson is out for the autumn
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Makes a bit more sense but personally I'd prefer Lawrence to 13 and find an actual 12 to play 12 just for once.
Yeah, completely agree
As much as I do want to see Freeman at 13 in the future I'd rather we stop shifting Lawrence around and let him settle at 13 like he is for his club
Dingwall in at 12 and think about getting Freeman to centre as a mid game sub (which I think is likely as they'll probably have no centre on the bench, likely Marcus and Arundell/Roebuck) or when Lawrence has his next injury
Just play people in the best positions where possible. I think Tommy F's general view is he just wants to play.
He could end up 13 for England but he's not replacing thd Dingwall and Hutchinson combo who are doing a job for Saints bar rest/injuries cover. Like the Marcus situation I'm not a fan of playing out of position for country vs club.
He could end up 13 for England but he's not replacing thd Dingwall and Hutchinson combo who are doing a job for Saints bar rest/injuries cover. Like the Marcus situation I'm not a fan of playing out of position for country vs club.
I'd prefer to see them just pick Lawrence and Ojomoh.. They can alternate between 12 & 13 as and when, and then you have Freeman and Waboso roving off their wing into the midfield aswell.
It's an interesting discussion, what partnership who will instantly work well together Northampton 9/10/12 Mitchell, F Smith and Dingwall or the Bath centre partnership. Maybe a bit of both Northampton 9/10 and Bath 12/13.
