Tom Willis and Max Ojomoh are emerging contenders for potential England call-ups ahead of their Six Nations opener against Ireland, with Ojomoh poised for a possible Test debut. Head coach Scott Borthwick is expected to announce his squad for the highly anticipated match on January 14 at 11:30 am.
After a challenging run of five consecutive Test defeats, which included losses during a summer tour of New Zealand and the Autumn internationals against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, England secured a much-needed victory against Japan in their last outing.
In addition to the likely inclusions of Willis and Ojomoh, scrum-half Alex Mitchell is set to return to the squad following his recovery from injury. Sale scrum-half Raffi Quirke may also be considered as a strong option to bolster the bench. England will also need to address the absence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who will miss the entire Six Nations due to a dislocated shoulder sustained while playing for Exeter.
The clash against defending champions Ireland is scheduled for February 1 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Last year, England denied Ireland a Grand Slam with a victory at Twickenham.
Tom Willis is gaining recognition for his exceptional club form, with calls for him to take the No 8 spot in the upcoming opener against Ireland. His remarkable performances, particularly against Bristol, have made him a standout candidate for selection.
Additionally, Max Ojomoh has been making waves as an uncapped player poised for a potential debut. Impressive displays against Northampton and Clermont have solidified his position on the selectors’ radar, even as established players Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade remain likely to anchor the midfield.
Marcus and Fin Smith are both expected to be included, yet the starting role at fly-half remains a topic of debate. Marcus Smith’s ability to penetrate defenses has been highlighted, although concerns about his game management at the international level linger. With George Furbank sidelined, Borthwick may consider repositioning Smith.
Alex Mitchell’s return from injury is a significant boost for England, bringing pace and stability to the scrum-half position. During the Autumn, Borthwick juggled several players in that role, and Mitchell’s inclusion promises to enhance England’s attacking effectiveness.
As the Six Nations approaches, England’s performance this year will be crucial. With a tough start against Ireland and France in back-to-back weeks, the stakes are high for both the team and Borthwick.
Upcoming 2025 Six Nations Fixtures for England:
- February 1: Ireland (away)
- February 8: France (home)
- February 22: Scotland (home)
- March 9: Italy (home)
- March 15: Wales (away)
