Jeremy Guscott believes Steve Borthwick should make Fin Smith England\u2019s first-choice fly-half this season, with George Ford used as an experienced option from the bench.<\/p>\n
England have three proven No.10s in Ford, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, with all selected in Borthwick\u2019s most recent training squad<\/a>.<\/p>\n But Guscott feels the head coach must stop switching between them and make a call before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n His preference is clear: give Fin Smith the shirt and let him keep it.<\/p>\n \u201cThis season I would play Fin Smith at 10 and have George Ford in a mentor role, coming off the bench only if needed,” Guscott told The Rugby Paper.<\/a><\/p>\n Ford has won 105 caps for England and remains one of the game\u2019s sharpest tactical minds. He has also been credited with taking on a player-coach role at times, both at Sale Sharks and during England camps.<\/p>\n That experience still makes him a valuable member of the squad. Guscott is not saying England should move on from Ford completely.<\/p>\n Instead, he believes the veteran should help Smith settle into the role while being ready to step in when England need him.<\/p>\n \u201cFord still has plenty to offer England, but there\u2019s been talk for some time that he has been like a player-coach at club level, and is therefore already over halfway to becoming a full-time coach.\u201d<\/p>\n Time to settle the No.10 debateFin Smith has spent the past three years moving in and out of England matchday squads. Marcus Smith has faced a similar battle for even longer, although he is currently dealing with a fresh injury setback<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ford has been the constant through several England eras. He played alongside Owen Farrell for years and remains trusted by Borthwick.<\/p>\n Guscott, though, believes a World Cup side cannot keep changing its mind at fly-half.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have all had numerous opportunities at 10, and now it\u2019s up to one of them to play well enough to earn the fly-half shirt, claim it, and keep it.\u201d<\/p>\n