Three England Players Andy Farrell Should Consider for Lions Call-Up After Standout Performances
Rugby NewsSaturday, 21 June 2025 at 18:32
Steve Borthwick’s England XV suffered a 26-24 loss to a resilient France XV at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, conceding two late tries after wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was sent off in a pivotal moment that swung momentum away from the home side.
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England looked in control when Harlequins captain Alex Dombrandt crossed for a try moments after France’s Cameron Woki received a red card, putting the hosts 24-12 ahead with just ten minutes remaining.
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But France refused to lie down. They scored a close-range try to set up a frantic final five minutes, culminating in Romain Taofifenua crashing over to level the scores with the clock deep in the red.
Fly-half Antoine Hastoy then calmly slotted the conversion to snatch victory with the final kick of a grueling contest played in sweltering London heat.
While Feyi-Waboso’s red card likely ends his Lions hopes, three England players stood out despite the defeat.
JAMIE GEORGE
RUCK 9/10
"No doubt some emotional vendetta today. Having the captaincy stripped, almost quitting international rugby, Jamie George had to put everything on the line to earn his captaincy again, and he did. He has the stamina of a back, he’s at every breakdown no matter where on the pitch, and always keeps his energy levels up."
"No doubt some emotional vendetta today. Having the captaincy stripped, almost quitting international rugby, Jamie George had to put everything on the line to earn his captaincy again, and he did. He has the stamina of a back, he’s at every breakdown no matter where on the pitch, and always keeps his energy levels up."
Rugby Pass 7.5/10
"Fresh from a stint training with the Lions the England captain looked hungry to crack on with Borthwick’s side. Barring one loose lineout near the French line, this was an industrious display from the captain."
"Fresh from a stint training with the Lions the England captain looked hungry to crack on with Borthwick’s side. Barring one loose lineout near the French line, this was an industrious display from the captain."
RUCK Editor Verdict (Steve Smith):
“George was the heartbeat of England today. His work rate was relentless, setting the tone with fearless leadership and tireless effort. A true warrior on the pitch, reminding everyone why he’s captain.”
“George was the heartbeat of England today. His work rate was relentless, setting the tone with fearless leadership and tireless effort. A true warrior on the pitch, reminding everyone why he’s captain.”
JOE HEYES
Rugby Pass 8/10
"Week by week, the Leicester Tiger proves that he is not only a handy deputy to Lion Will Stuart, but a worthy rival for that No.3 England jersey when he returns. The pillar of a strong scrummaging display against a big French pack with a handful of penalties to his name. His eyes would have lit up when he received the ball with no one in front of him from 40 metres out in the first half – he may have been chased down eventually on the way to the line, but he made a mighty good crack of it and a surprising turn of pace."
"Week by week, the Leicester Tiger proves that he is not only a handy deputy to Lion Will Stuart, but a worthy rival for that No.3 England jersey when he returns. The pillar of a strong scrummaging display against a big French pack with a handful of penalties to his name. His eyes would have lit up when he received the ball with no one in front of him from 40 metres out in the first half – he may have been chased down eventually on the way to the line, but he made a mighty good crack of it and a surprising turn of pace."
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RUCK 8/10
"There is no greater sight than a forward making a great run to what could and should have been the try of the match. Sadly tackled down and not enough support, Joe Heyes was denied points. Great height in the scrums, and ball recovery in the field of play."
"There is no greater sight than a forward making a great run to what could and should have been the try of the match. Sadly tackled down and not enough support, Joe Heyes was denied points. Great height in the scrums, and ball recovery in the field of play."
RUCK Editor Verdict (Steve Smith):
“Heyes continues to show why he’s pushing for that starting spot. Powerful in the scrum and dynamic with ball in hand, he brought energy and aggression. If only the support had been there for that try — he’d have been man of the match.”
“Heyes continues to show why he’s pushing for that starting spot. Powerful in the scrum and dynamic with ball in hand, he brought energy and aggression. If only the support had been there for that try — he’d have been man of the match.”
TOM WILLIS
RUCK 8/10
"Zero fear when taking the ball in and running hard against the defence wall. Brilliant at getting involved in the ruck. Scoring the first points for England, and playing great in attack."
"Zero fear when taking the ball in and running hard against the defence wall. Brilliant at getting involved in the ruck. Scoring the first points for England, and playing great in attack."
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Rugby Pass 8/10
"Deservedly scored England’s first try as the No.8 had been the most dependable and busiest ball carrier up until that point and continued to smash into the heart of the blue wall thereafter. More carries than the next best two performers combined when he left the field after 55 minutes (16), and topped the metres carried and defenders beaten charts as well."
"Deservedly scored England’s first try as the No.8 had been the most dependable and busiest ball carrier up until that point and continued to smash into the heart of the blue wall thereafter. More carries than the next best two performers combined when he left the field after 55 minutes (16), and topped the metres carried and defenders beaten charts as well."
Planet Rugby wrote: "He carried with power and purpose into the contact with each available opportunity, smashing the French defence back each time. His presence on the field was greatly missed when brought off at the 55-minute mark."
RUCK Editor Verdict (Steve Smith):
“Willis is a battering ram with a nose for the try line. His work rate was outstanding and he consistently made yards after contact. The kind of No.8 every team wants — tough, reliable, and fearless.”
“Willis is a battering ram with a nose for the try line. His work rate was outstanding and he consistently made yards after contact. The kind of No.8 every team wants — tough, reliable, and fearless.”
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- Lions ROCKED as Star Player Ruled Out – Won’t Even Fly to Australia With the Squad!
Quiz! Can you name every player from England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup squad?
The England team were dubbed ‘Dad’s Army’ by the rest of the world (mainly Australians) but everyone secretly knew England coach Clive Woodward had the best side around.
This quiz tests your knowledge of that heralded group of 22 players who took on and beat the Wallabies in their own backyard on November 22, 2003.
Some of these are significantly easier than others.
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