Despite Eddie Jones resistance to picking in-form Premiership players - here are five we think deserve a call-up for the final game against Ireland.
Although Wales are the only side left in the Championship that can clinch the Grand Slam, there are still three teams who can mathematically win the Guinness Six Nations title.
France and Scotland could still win the title, meaning neither England or Ireland are in the running - which makes their clash somewhat a dead rubber.
With that in mind, here are five players we'd like to return or make their debut for England.
1. Sam Underhill for Mark Wilson
Why has he not been recalled? Followed up his impressive 50-minute cameo against Exeter Chiefs with a try-scoring man of the match display against Newcastle Falcons. He demonstrated what England have missed this Six Nations, and a big performance could put him back in the driving seat for a Lions place.
2. Marcus Smith for George Ford
Despite being on the losing side, he impressed more than his opposite number Joe Simmonds. The spiky-haired Smith recently renewed his club contract and while he has not featured in an England squad since a training camp in the summer before the 2019 Rugby World Cup, his distribution has the smack of international quality, while he also lobbed in an unusually prodigious tackle count here.
With Ford once again failing to impress against France, the dead rubber against Ireland would be the perfect time to give Smith an opportunity.
3. Piers O'Conor for Henry Slade
His omission from the squad becomes more baffling from week to week. Playing against his former club Wasps, the centre linked up outstandingly with Charles Piutau as he crossed for his side's opening try as well as looking a consistent danger to the Wasps defence. England's midfield is still not quite ticking with Henry Slade missing FIVE tackles against France - so it would be nice to see Jones try something different.
4. Danny Care for Ben Youngs
Doesn't really matter what he does following his fallout with Jones, but he put in another stellar performance in the narrow defeat against Exeter. Scoring the opening try, Care set a good tempo while his exciting halfback partnership with Smith continues to catch the eye. One good game from Ben Youngs against France doesn't make up for the three painful displays previous.
5. Sam Simmonds for Billy Vunipola
Billy Vunipola has played himself into some decent form, but there isn't a fan anywhere in the country who wouldn't like to see Sam Simmonds given an opportunity to shine or flop against Ireland. He was imperious again, although he didn't score for once, as Exeter overcame Harlequins this weekend.
EDITORS PICKS:
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading
