Owen Farrell\u2019s international future continues to dominate the conversation, despite the 34-year-old being omitted once again from England\u2019s upcoming Six Nations squad.<\/p>\n
The Saracens captain, who returned to England from France last summer, is fully eligible for selection and has made it clear he remains available. <\/p>\n
Farrell also reminded everyone of his pedigree with a late call-up to the British & Irish Lions, playing a key role as the tourists sealed a 2\u20131 series victory over Australia.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your\u00a0Google Favourites\u00a0<\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Farrell\u2019s club form has been mixed so far this season, but the fly-half has confirmed his commitment to England remains intact. For now, however, his focus is firmly on Saracens as he continues to build momentum after a difficult injury-hit campaign last year.<\/p>\n Speaking to Sky Sports during the Autumn, England head coach Steve Borthwick addressed Farrell\u2019s situation:<\/p>\n \u201cOwen has gone out quite publicly and said a number of times that for right now, it\u2019s just to get back to playing rugby back in England, enjoying his rugby after a difficult year injury-wise last season.\u201d<\/p>\n RUCK sources suggest that, despite an injury concern surrounding Fin Smith, Farrell is still expected to miss out when the England squad is officially announced on Friday.<\/p>\n Borthwick also played down any immediate recall, insisting the door remains open:<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re only a handful of games into this season, so I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a discussion for right now.<\/p>\n I\u2019m delighted with the players that are here and the exciting depth of talent we have. My attitude to these kind of situations is that the door is never closed. As far as I\u2019m concerned, I\u2019m watching every English player playing.<\/p>\n What I would say is, there\u2019s a lot of very good players in the squad right now. Players that I am enjoying working with.\u201d<\/p>\n For now, Farrell\u2019s England exile looks set to continue \u2014 but as ever, his name refuses to disappear from the international debate.<\/p>\n EDITORS PICKS:<\/p>\n England squad for the 2026 Six Nations: Shock pick from Steve Borthwick<\/p>\n He arguably has the strongest pool of players available during his tenure, and an 11-match winning run in 2025 has raised expectations. Here, we examine the squad options and selection calls facing England as momentum builds.<\/p>\n Loosehead prop: Ellis Genge, Beno Obano, Bevan Rodd<\/p>\n Ellis Genge and Bevan Rodd are close to automatic selections. Fin Baxter would almost certainly have claimed the final spot were it not for his ongoing injury, which opens the door for Beno Obano to complete the group.<\/p>\n Tighthead prop: Joe Heyes, Afolabi Fasogbon, Trevor Davison<\/p>\n With both Will Stuart and Asher Opoku-Fordjour sidelined through injury, focus turns to their replacements. Afolabi Fasogbon is a standout prospect whose Test debut feels imminent, and fast-tracking him would mirror England\u2019s approach with Opoku-Fordjour last year. Trevor Davison provides experience and reliability, while the in-form Joe Heyes looks the natural choice to start.<\/p>\n Hooker: Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jamie Blamire<\/p>\n Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie are near-certainties. The third hooker slot is more open following Theo Dan\u2019s recent dip in form, and Jamie Blamire emerges as the strongest contender. Consistent and performing well for Leicester Tigers, he would offer dependable cover behind the established pairing.<\/p>\n Second row: Maro Itoje, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Alex Coles<\/p>\n Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum pick themselves, with Itoje also likely to resume the captaincy. The remaining spots are less straightforward. George Martin\u2019s prolonged absence through shoulder injury raises questions over his readiness for Test rugby, which could tilt the balance in favour of Chandler Cunningham-South.<\/p>\n Alex Coles was a quiet standout in the autumn, offering physicality and consistency in the engine room, and deserves to retain his place.<\/p>\n Back row: Ted Hill, Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Henry Pollock, Guy Pepper, Ben Curry<\/p>\n Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper all impressed in the autumn and are straightforward selections. Henry Pollock adds a point of difference as a squad option, bringing unpredictability if required.<\/p>\n Ted Hill\u2019s versatility, including cover in the second row, and consistently high level of performance make him an underrated but valuable inclusion, while Ben Curry earns his place despite missing the autumn, having impressed on the summer tour of Argentina.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n