\u274c 2. Freddie Steward<\/p>\n
Not long ago, Freddie Steward was seen as England\u2019s most reliable player. Under the high ball, he was untouchable. Defensively, he was a wall. At just 23, he looked set to hold the 15 shirt for a decade.<\/p>\n
But in a shock move, Borthwick has pivoted towards Marcus Smith at fullback \u2013 despite the Harlequins star being anything but a specialist in the role. It\u2019s a bold gamble, but one that has left Steward out in the cold.<\/p>\n
The Leicester Tiger\u2019s exclusion highlights just how ruthless Borthwick can be. Under almost any other coach, Steward would be a guaranteed starter. Instead, his once-ironclad position has vanished almost overnight.<\/p>\n
Fans are scratching their heads, and you can\u2019t help but feel sympathy for a player who hasn\u2019t exactly put a foot wrong.<\/p>\n
\u274c 3. Theo Dan<\/p>\n
Last year looked like the making of Theo Dan. The explosive hooker was billed as the natural successor to Jamie George and even made the 2023 World Cup squad.<\/p>\n
But the rise has been followed by a rapid fall. Dan was among the players denied a central contract, and he now finds himself behind George and the resurgent Luke Cowan-Dickie in the pecking order.<\/p>\n
At just 23, time is still on his side, but unless he forces his way back at club level, Dan risks becoming another England nearly-man.<\/p>\n
CONTINUES ON PAGE THREE<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n