We have looked at some of the top players that are looking to be included in the England squad as betzone review looks ahead to the World Cup in France 2023.
Maro Itoje
Itoje has now become one of the first names on the England team sheet and would make any starting XV in the RWC. He’s a natural leader, not always through voice, but always through his actions on the pitch. He has an innate ability to disrupt any part of the opposition’s game whether that’s through lineout steels, turnovers, choke tackles or the sheer amount of work around the collision area he gets through.
Consistently competes at the highest level and we look forward to seeing that form continue into France next year.
Owen Farrell
England’s divisive captain will undoubtedly be in the squad come RWC time, but it’s his positioning within the starting team that will be an interesting element to watch. His club position at Saracens is fly half, but in the international set-up he usually finds himself at inside centre, alongside a Marcus Smith or George Ford.
One thing that is certain for Farrell is his ability to produce the ‘big game’ player display. He embodies competitiveness and professionalism, and when Farrell is on song the England more often than not follows suit.
Freddie Steward
Part of Head Coach Eddie Jones’ new England crop, Freddie Steward is making the 15 jersey his own having been left unclaimed since Mike Brown’s occupancy. At 6ft 4” the Leicester Tiger’s full back is a towering presence physically and aerially. He’s proved himself very accomplished under any high ball throughout his 13 England appearances to date. Not only is he solid in the air, but he also has an intelligent attacking game, when he’s not running the ball back from deep, he’s joining the attacking backline and cutting some great angles with fruitful results.
Marcus Smith
Smith is also a relatively new at 23 years old and with 13 appearances under his belt, but he’ll be hoping to make that 10 spot his own. His club form is undeniable, but questions remain about his kicking and defensive skills at the most elite level of the sport.
Marcus clearly has the talent to be in the squad with his electric step and unrivalled reading of the game, but it’s whether he can make that gel in a World Cup, against the top sides in that pressure cooker.
The London Irish speedster was turning heads as soon as he came onto the pitch in the Autumn internationals. His first touch of the game he powered through two players in the Australia defensive line, and then stepped his way round the full back to score on debut!
Arundell clearly has the talent to be at the elite level of the sport, but at just 19 years old and 3 caps to his name, could 2023 be too early to see him at his impressive best. He hasn’t seen a huge amount of international game time, and this limited exposure leaves questions surrounding everything but his attacking game.
Have no doubt, if Arundell gets a chance to shine in France the likelihood of a phenomenal try goes up 10-fold.
