“Outstanding talent” – Four England A players Steve Borthwick should consider after Ireland demolition

The visitors were slick, physical and relentless throughout, producing a cohesive display built on tempo, accuracy and intensity. Against strong opposition and in a demanding environment, several players underlined their credentials for senior international consideration.

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Here are four England A standouts who may have pushed themselves back onto Steve Borthwick’s radar.

The heartbeat of the England A side, Harry Randall controlled the game superbly from scrum-half. His service was sharp, his decision-making assured, and he injected real pace around the fringes.

Randall also provided a moment of individual brilliance, selling a convincing dummy before darting through a gap to score under the posts. A composed, authoritative display, which saw him awarded man of the match, reminded everyone of his Test-level quality.

Once handed a debut by Borthwick, Ollie Hassell-Collins has found himself on the fringes after just two caps. Off-field noise aside, his form on the pitch continues to do the talking.

The Leicester Tigers wing has been consistently outstanding at club level and carried that confidence into this fixture, crossing for two tries and causing Ireland problems all evening with his power and finishing.

After bursting onto the international scene during the 2024 Six Nations, Ethan Roots looked destined to become an England regular. Despite earning only three caps so far, his performance as England A captain was a timely reminder of his value.

Roots led from the front with physicality, work rate and authority, while also getting on the scoresheet. A captain’s display that may well reignite senior selection discussions.

Breaking into an England fly-half group containing George Ford and the two Smiths is no easy task, but Billy Searlemade a compelling case here.

Calm, accurate and tactically astute, Searle steered England A around the park with real poise. At 29, this performance felt like a genuine breakthrough moment — proof that form and maturity can still force the door open at international level.