"Three man shortlist" - Maro Itoje could be replaced as England captain
Rugby NewsTuesday, 21 April 2026 at 19:04
England head into a defining tour with no margin for error. Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina will demand leadership from minute one — not a slow burn.
So, who gets the armband?
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Maro Itoje
The front-runner
Calm, composed, and virtually undroppable. The current skipper has grown into a natural leader — not loud, but relentlessly effective.
- Trusted by referees
- Leads through actions, not noise
- Built for long-term captaincy
If England are thinking beyond this tour, he’s the standout choice.
Courtney Lawes
The enforcer
If this is about winning now, Lawes makes a serious case. Back from France and straight into the England mix; Lawes is a proven, respected, and still one of England’s most physically dominant players.
- Test captain experience
- Sets the tone instantly
- Big-game presence
But at this stage, he’s a short-term fix — not the future.
Ellis Genge
The firestarter
Passionate, confrontational, and unapologetically vocal. Genge brings edge — something England have lacked at times.
- Drives intensity
- Strong voice in the squad
- Connects with younger players
The risk? His style doesn’t always land well with officials.
Poll
England Summer Tour Fixtures (2026)
England’s summer tour shapes up as a serious test across three very different rugby environments:
- South Africa vs England
? Ellis Park, Johannesburg
? 4 July 2026 - Fiji vs England
? Hill Dickinson Stadium (Everton)
? 11 July 2026 - Argentina vs England
? Venue TBC
? 18 July 2026
This is a brutal run—altitude in South Africa, flair against Fiji, and physicality in Argentina.
Full Predicted England Squad
Props
- Ellis Genge
- Mako Vunipola
- Fin Baxter
- Joe Heyes
- Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- Afolabi Fasogbon
Summary:
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
A powerful and evolving unit. Genge sets the tone physically, Vunipola adds experience, and the younger options bring mobility and long-term promise.
Hookers
- Jamie George
- Kepu Tuipulotu
- Tom Dunn
Summary:
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
George remains the cornerstone with his leadership and set-piece accuracy. Dunn adds physical edge, while Tuipulotu is a high-upside development option.
Second Row
- Courtney Lawes
- Ollie Chessum
- Maro Itoje
- Alex Coles
Summary:
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
An elite engine room. Itoje leads the charge, Lawes adds experience and presence, while Chessum and Coles provide athleticism and lineout strength.
Back Row
- Guy Pepper
- Henry Pollock
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Ben Earl
- Tom Curry
- Greg Fisilau
Summary:
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Highly competitive and dynamic. Earl and Curry are standout performers, supported by a group full of energy, versatility, and breakdown ability.
Scrum-Halves
- Alex Mitchell
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Archie McParland
Summary:
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Mitchell brings tempo and control, van Poortvliet offers reliability, and McParland is an exciting young option for the future.
Fly-Halves
- Fin Smith
- Marcus Smith
- George Ford
Summary:
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
A balanced trio—Fin Smith’s composure, Marcus Smith’s attacking spark, and Ford’s tactical control give England flexibility depending on opposition.
Centres
- Ollie Lawrence
- Max Ojomoh
- Joe Marchant
- Seb Atkinson
Summary:
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
A blend of power and creativity. Lawrence provides go-forward, Marchant defensive organisation, with Ojomoh and Atkinson offering attacking flair.
Back Three
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Henry Arundell
- Adam Radwan
- George Furbank
- Tommy Freeman
- Tom Roebuck
- Freddie Steward
Summary:
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Pace and finishing across the board. Arundell and Radwan bring speed, while Furbank adds playmaking and Steward aerial dominance.
Predicted England XV
Starting XV
- Ellis Genge
- Jamie George
- Joe Heyes
- Maro Itoje
- Ollie Chessum
- Courtney Lawes
- Tom Curry
- Ben Earl
- Alex Mitchell
- Fin Smith
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- Ollie Lawrence
- Joe Marchant
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank
You’ll have to be red-hot to get 15/15 in this 2010s Six Nations quiz
The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.
From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.
Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!
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