Eddie Jones reveals the four players battling to be England's next fullback

Wednesday, 02 June 2021 at 07:51

byRugby Rucker

Head coach Eddie Jones as namechecked four players in the running to start at fullback for England this summer.

They’re set to face the USA and Canada at Twickenham this summer, as well as the return of an ‘A’ team to play their Scottish counterparts.

The two Tests will be at Twickenham on July 4 and 10 and the RFU expect at least 10,000 supporters to attend. England A will face Scotland A at Welford Road on June 27.

Jones said: “The summer series will give us the chance to look at a lot of players and see how they step up, and it’s an important part of our World Cup preparation.

“For younger players, it’s a chance to show what they can do at international level and how they are in the team environment. At fullback we especially have plenty options mate,"

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#1. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)

The teenager is one of the latest products from Leicester’s academy, and the latest in a long line of players recruited from Norfolk, which include England and Lions players Tom and Ben Youngs. A standout for the Tigers in 2020-21, particularly under the high ball, the fullback was namechecked by Eddie Jones prior to the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier at Twickenham.

DID YOU KNOW? Similarly to Elliot Daly, he sometimes kicks penalties from long range

Freddie Steward of Leicester Tigers during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers at the Recreation Ground on 18 April. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Tom de Glanville (Bath Rugby)

The 21-year-old Bath stars has all the skills. Get him in the squad at the very least this summer and see if he can make the step up. His fundamentals as a No 15 are good and he has the X-factor too compared to some of his competitors.

DID YOU KNOW? He is the son of Yolanda and Phil de Glanville, the former captain of the England national rugby union team

#3. Max Malins (Bristol Bears)

The versatile playmaker has been torching defences during a successful loan spell at Bristol Bears and after six appearances as a replacement he made his first England start during the 2021 Six Nations. It could be now or never for the 24-year-old to claim a regular place in the England XV.

DID YOU KNOW? A talented cricketer and hockey player, Max Malins decided to focus on rugby aged 18

Man of the Match, Bristol Bears player Max Malins during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Newcastle Falcons and Bristol Bears at Kingston Park on April 17 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#4. George Furbank (Northampton Saints)

Jones original choice to be England's next fullback, the Northampton Saints flier was a shock call-up for the 2020 Six Nations but has since been exiled with. Failing to impress during his four caps, it seems unlikely despite the namecheck that the 24-year-old will earn a recall this summer.

DID YOU KNOW? Furbank lifted the Premiership Rugby U18s League trophy before becoming Saint #1986 in November 2017