England legend Jeremy Guscott has delivered a damning assessment of Steve Borthwick’s side ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with The Telegraph, the former England and British and Irish Lions centre questioned Borthwick’s tactics, selections and the freedom given to his players.

Guscott calls for greater Blackett influence

“I think for England to properly succeed at the next World Cup, Borthwick needs to let Lee Blackett have more of an influence,” Guscott said.

“We’ve not seen the Blackett imprint yet, other than in the first half against Argentina and against France. If we don’t see it soon then what’s the point in having him there?”

Guscott also questioned whether England’s players are being allowed to express themselves.

“You get the feeling with the current England team that it’s: ‘Go out and do what I told you to do,’” he added.

He then delivered a blunt verdict on Borthwick’s squad: “Some of that pack are lucky to be picked, too.”

Guscott backs Fin Smith

Guscott urged Borthwick to make Fin Smith his first-choice fly-half while retaining George Ford as an experienced alternative.

“I’d love to see Fin Smith put his stamp on it,” he said. “He likes being the conductor.”

He added: “Give the man who deserves the shirt, the shirt, and let him run with it.”

Max Ojomoh decision branded “staggering”

The former Bath star was particularly critical of Max Ojomoh’s continued absence.

“He played that game for England, against Argentina last autumn, he was player of the match, and he has not had another minute since. I find that staggering.”

Guscott added: “There might be data telling Steve what we don’t know, and that might be why we’re not picking him, but why can’t they trust their gut?

“The data only says what has happened – it categorically cannot predict the future. If someone is playing well, pick them.”

Read Guscott’s full interview with The Telegraph here.

EDITORS PICKS:

14 England stars missing from Steve Borthwick’s squad

Here are 14 notable England stars missing from Borthwick’s latest group.

1. Ollie Lawrence

Perhaps the most glaring omission of them all.

Lawrence has established himself as one of the outstanding centres in the Premiership, yet once again finds himself outside Borthwick’s latest England group.

The Bath powerhouse has the physicality, carrying threat and Test experience to offer England something different in midfield, but Borthwick continues to look elsewhere.

At this point, his continued absence is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

2. Max Ojomoh

Then there is Lawrence’s Bath teammate Max Ojomoh.

Ojomoh is understood to have a minor calf issue, which explains why he cannot take a full part in this particular camp.

However, his wider England situation remains fascinating.

Ojomoh and Lawrence have a strong claim to being two of the best English centres in the Premiership, yet neither currently appears to be at the heart of Borthwick’s plans.

The ‘blacklisted’ duo?

To be absolutely clear, there is no suggestion from England that either Lawrence or Ojomoh has actually been blacklisted.

But from the outside, their continued struggle to break into Borthwick’s plans is beginning to feel almost personal.

Two of the country’s outstanding Premiership centres continue to watch other midfield options receive opportunities.

For Lawrence in particular, the question is becoming obvious: what more does he have to do?

3. Owen Farrell

There is also no return for former England captain Owen Farrell.

Farrell’s name will inevitably generate interest whenever an England squad is announced, particularly given his enormous Test experience and history as one of the most influential players of the modern era.

For now, though, Borthwick is continuing with the fly-half options already established within his current England set-up.

His absence is therefore very different from those players unavailable through injury.

4. Courtney Lawes

Courtney Lawes is eligible for England again following his return to the Premiership, but there will be no immediate recall.

Borthwick is keen to see the veteran forward back playing domestically before deciding whether to bring him into the international fold.

That leaves the door open ahead of the Nations Championship.

If Lawes quickly finds his best form, the clamour for an England return could become difficult to ignore.

5. Joe Marchant

Joe Marchant finds himself in essentially the same position.

The centre is back in the Premiership following his spell in France and is therefore available to Borthwick once again.

However, England are keen to see both Marchant and Lawes playing in the Premiership before considering a recall.

Marchant was a significant part of Borthwick’s side during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, so his performances at club level will now be watched closely.

6. Henry Arundell

Another eye-catching omission is Henry Arundell.

The explosive back-three star has already demonstrated his finishing ability at international level but has not been included in this 36-player group.

With fierce competition across England’s back three, Arundell faces a battle to force himself back into Borthwick’s preferred group.

7. Adam Radwan

Adam Radwan is another electric Premiership winger who has failed to make the cut.

The speedster remains one of the most dangerous broken-field runners in English rugby, but Borthwick has gone with other options in his latest squad.

With Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman and others competing for back-three places, the competition could hardly be tougher.

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