"Bull of a man" - Will Greenwood's five England players to watch during the Six Nations

The former centre, crucial to England's 2003 World Cup triumph, highlights his top five players to watch.

Transitioning seamlessly into a respected sports pundit, Greenwood continues to contribute with his insightful analysis and charismatic rugby commentary.

Hooker Jamie George will captain England in the 2024 Six Nations in the absence of Owen Farrell.

Exeter Chiefs wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, born and brought up in Cardiff, is among seven uncapped players in the squad.

Explore Greenwood's picks below for an in-depth look at the upcoming tournament.

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With captaincy experience from his England Under-20s tenure, the centre has flourished as the Saints progress this season. Adaptable at both 12 or 13, Dingwall possesses the physicality for international rugby challenges and adds pace to an already dynamic backline.

Greenwood wrote in his column: "I think he’s the best midfield player of the lot. The key word there is ‘player’. He can manipulate defences, find edges. He’s a young fella who’s had to find a different way to get over gain-lines because he’s not a Manu or an Ollie Lawrence.

"People like that are invaluable. If Borthwick wants someone who can go to a gain-line and pick the right option, he’s the one midfielder who’ll do that.

"I was lucky to have a coach who picked me on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t. Dingwall will need the same conviction."

The season's most anticipated decision revolved around Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's international representation. Initially a relative unknown to rugby fans, the Chiefs winger has rapidly made a name for himself, showcasing remarkable finishes and sensational all-around performances.

Greenwood wrote: "The man of the moment. Felix Jones, the England defence coach, will need to support him. At club level, he’s been able to turn and scramble back after being outflanked.

"At Test level, Damian Penaud will be away. He’s excellent on the kick-chase and smashes players in defence. A bit like Sevu Reece and Jack Nowell, he can give you short yardage around the ruck. Forwards love wings like that."

Greenwood wrote: "Just a bull of a man. What we saw at the World Cup was that Marler’s foundations are so good. With him, you can pack your back five – numbers four to eight – with ball-handlers. Joe is an immovable object; a beast. He is still England’s best No1 by a street."

Born in New Zealand with an English father, he arrives in Devon after stints at the Ospreys and even cage fighting. His forceful back-row play earns him a well-deserved first call-up. At 26, having stepped into sizable shoes, he now aims to showcase his abilities at the highest level.

Greenwood wrote: "An old-school six, bit of a throwback if you want an enforcer. Dave Ewers will be thinking: “Finally, someone recognises the importance of smashing things.”

"He has a bit of edge with Kiwi written all over him. Within minutes of watching him, you appreciate why the All Blacks have been so good for so long. He’s a clever ball-player as well as an abrasive operator."

Isiekwe competed for England Under 16s, Under 18s and Under 20s teams before winning his first senior England cap in 2017. Following England’s tour of South Africa in 2018 the 23-year-old had a 44-month spell away from the senior squad.

But after a successful loan spell with Northampton last year and a good start to the season with Saracens he has worked his way back into the England picture. Isiekwe was included in Steve Borthwick's squad for the 2023 and 2024 Guinness Six Nations.

Greenwood wrote: "A proper hybrid – four, five or six and comfortable in all of those positions. If you want physical attributes to play Test match rugby, he has them. What would his starting position be? I’m unsure, and I get the feeling that he would be most suited to the number 19. That is not a slight. He’s a proper player and I’ve rated him for a long time."

Three minutes on the clock, 10 players to guess.

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