The player Eddie Jones has earmarked to replace Ben Youngs

Saturday, 18 April 2020 at 20:27

bySteven Smith

Alex Mitchell was picked as a Six Nations England 'apprentice' in January and is thought to be earmarked by Eddie Jones to replace Ben Youngs before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 22-year-old scrum-half suffered a torn meniscus against the Barbarians at Twickenham last summer but he has now returned and is a key part of a youthful setup at Northampton Saints.

Leicester playmaker Youngs is 30 and desperate to keep going but England desperately need young blood.

But Mitchell, speaking to the Mail Online, comes across as a confident character.

'I can be a threat around the breakdown and make breaks. Nowadays every scrum-half has to be consistent on passing, kicking, be able to tackle. I think I can do that.

'You can't just have one string to your bow.

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'Getting the opportunity early, if I play well, you can go so much further.

'Eddie speaks to you just like any other player – you're in the squad, train with everyone and are no different to anyone else, which is good,' explains Mitchell, dispelling some myths.

'Even though you're seen as an apprentice you are still there as a normal player.'

LIST | 5 wonderkids who could star for England at 2023 Rugby World Cup

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The England XV that started the 2019 Rugby World Cup final was the youngest ever to play in rugby union's showpiece, with every member of the starting side 30 years of age or younger.

However, head coach Eddie Jones - with his new deal locked in - believes a squad evolution will be necessary before France 2023, saying the current team 'doesn't have another World Cup in them'.

Here are five players who could potentially break into the England set-up...

1. Josh Hodge

Current number of caps: 0
Position: Fullback
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23

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One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role f=or Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he'll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours.

2. Marcus Smith

Current number of caps: 1
Position: Fly-half
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 24

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Smith's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down – it took barely a year for him to go from captaining Brighton College in an unbeaten season to involvement in the senior England squad. Therefore, it's not unthinkable that he'll be leading England's bid to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.

3. Jack Maunder

Current number of caps: 1
Position: Scrum-half
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27

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A lot of the English scrum-halves are ageing, meaning this is a direct choice between the Exeter Chiefs man and Ben Vellacott. However, his emergence as a premier playmaker in such a short space of time makes us think he will continue to get better, which will lead to him establishing himself in the England set-up.

4. Joel Kpoku

Current number of caps: 0
Position: Lock
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 24

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The next star off the Saracens production line may be Kpoku, although the lock has been linked with a move to Northampton Saints due to the presence of Itoje, George Kruis and Nick Isiekwe at his current club. An incredibly hard-hitting carrier in the mould of Eben Etzebeth, a selection in the coming months would not be surprising.

5. Joe Marchant

Current number of caps: 3
Position: Centre
Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27

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A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones's squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we'd expect to step up heading into the 2021 Six Nations when he returns from Super Rugby and beyond.