England's rugby team is gearing up for a major comeback, with a positive outlook on the return of key players for the upcoming Calcutta Cup match. Head coach Steve Borthwick has revealed that Ollie Lawrence, a crucial member of the backline, is on the mend and could be back in action against Scotland at Murrayfield. This news is a huge boost for England's center position, especially with the versatile Tommy Freeman already proving his worth in previous matches against Wales and Australia.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lawrence's return might just be the spark England needs to ignite their campaign, especially after their impressive win over the All Blacks, where he shone alongside Fraser Dingwall. However, the team has had to navigate some setbacks, with loosehead prop Fin Baxter requiring surgery and Ben Curry advised to continue his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Borthwick shared, "Ollie Lawrence is making good progress and looking strong. There's a chance he could be ready next week, but it's going to be a close call."
Another player on the mend is Tom Roebuck, who was "just a few days away" from being fit when the team was announced to face Wales. Fin Smith, who has been battling a calf injury, has also returned to full training and is in the mix for the Scotland game, along with his Northampton teammate George Furbank. Furbank, who has overcome multiple injuries, including a broken arm and a persistent calf issue, is a welcome addition to the squad, bringing versatility and the ability to play multiple positions.
"It's been a while since we've had George Furbank in camp," Borthwick said. "His class is evident on the training field, and the touches he brings to our training games are exceptional."
However, the team has also suffered a setback with loosehead prop Fin Baxter, who has been ruled out of the Six Nations due to surgery. This leaves England short on options at loosehead prop, with Ellis Genge starting against Wales and Bevan Rodd, with 10 caps, on the bench. The uncapped Emmanuel Iyogun is the other loosehead prop in the training squad, adding some much-needed depth.
As for Ben Curry, he might still feature in the later stages of the tournament after seeking specialist advice for further treatment.
So, will England's injured backline quartet be ready in time for the Calcutta Cup? And what impact will their return have on the team's performance? These are the questions on everyone's minds as the team prepares for their next big challenge.
What do you think? Will England's comeback be a success? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
