As the 2025 Six Nations Championship continues, England is preparing for an exciting encounter with France at Allianz Stadium this Saturday. In a major shift, Marcus Smith is set to start at full-back, while Fin Smith will take on the fly-half role for the first time in his Test career. These changes are expected to add some new dynamics to the England team as they seek to end their seven-match losing streak against tier-one nations.
Marcus Smith and Fin Smith: A New Combination for England
The announcement that Marcus Smith will switch to full-back for England marks a significant change in his usual role at fly-half. Having started at number 10 in the last eight matches for England, this change will see him shift into an unfamiliar position, requiring him to adjust his game in a new way. Smith’s versatility and ability to adapt will be tested as he takes on a position that is not his first choice. His experience at fly-half, however, will provide the team with a steady head at the back, especially when considering his playmaking ability.
Meanwhile, Fin Smith will be making his first Test start for England. At 22 years old, Smith has earned his first opportunity to start after seven previous appearances from the bench. This promotion to starting fly-half is an exciting development for the Northampton player, who has been impressive in limited opportunities. As a result, England’s backline will have a fresh look, with the pairing of Marcus Smith and Fin Smith bringing a new combination to the field.
England’s Preparation for France: Changes and Challenges
England faces a tough challenge in their upcoming Six Nations match against France, a team that has been in excellent form. France arrives at Twickenham with confidence, having defeated Wales 53-10 in their opening round. This dominant win sets them up as formidable opponents for the England side, who will need to be at their best to secure a victory. The French team’s confidence will undoubtedly be boosted by their impressive victory over England in the previous Six Nations campaign.
On the other hand, England will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Ireland in Dublin. This defeat leaves England with a record seven-match losing run against tier-one nations, a statistic that has put significant pressure on coach Steve Borthwick and his team. With a series of changes to the starting lineup, England will be hoping to turn things around and put together a strong performance that can restore some pride and momentum.
Richard Wigglesworth’s Focus on Winning
As senior coach Richard Wigglesworth acknowledged in a recent interview on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast, England is acutely aware of the expectations surrounding the team. With the pressure mounting to break the losing streak, Wigglesworth emphasized the importance of results. “We are the England rugby team and we want to win, and we know the expectations that come with it,” he said. “I have no problem with people wanting to see more wins because that is what I want and what we are all working towards.”
Wigglesworth made it clear that the team is fully focused on getting the right result against France, as well as improving their overall performances throughout the Six Nations. This commitment to securing victories aligns with the strategic changes being made in the team, as the coaches look for new ways to maximize the squad’s potential.
Strategic Changes to England’s Back Row and Back Three
In addition to the changes at fly-half and full-back, England is also set to make adjustments in other areas of the team. One notable change is the inclusion of Tom Willis, who is in line for his first Test start at number eight. This will be a big moment for Willis, who has been working hard to earn his place in the starting XV. His inclusion in the back row is expected to bring added physicality and dynamism, which will be crucial against a French team known for their aggressive and fast-paced style of play.
These changes are part of a broader strategy by England to find the right balance between consistency and tactical flexibility. While the team has made several adjustments for the match against France, the overall aim is to ensure the squad is cohesive and ready for the challenges ahead.
England’s Tactical Approach: Cohesion vs. Change
One of the key issues that England’s coaching staff must balance is the tension between making changes and maintaining team cohesion. As Richard Wigglesworth pointed out, England has historically struggled with chopping and changing their team selections, leading to low levels of cohesion and trust among the players. This inconsistency in selection has been a long-standing issue, and it is something that the current coaching staff is determined to avoid.
“We know what hasn’t worked in the past and we don’t want to be panicked into making the same mistake,” Wigglesworth explained. “But we have to weigh up all those things and get the right team on the field.” While it is important to make tactical adjustments based on the opposition, the focus remains on building a team that trusts one another and works well together. By avoiding knee-jerk reactions and sticking to a more strategic approach, England will aim to find the right balance between innovation and stability.
France: A Powerful and Confident Opponent
Looking ahead to the clash with France, England will be facing a side that has been in excellent form. The French team boasts a combination of experience and youthful talent, making them a formidable challenge for any opponent. Their victory over Wales demonstrated their attacking prowess, as well as their ability to dominate in all areas of the game. For England, overcoming France will require a complete performance—one that not only takes advantage of any weaknesses but also capitalizes on their own strengths.
One of the biggest challenges for England will be containing the French backs, who are capable of breaking the game wide open with their speed and creativity. Additionally, France’s powerful forwards are likely to test England’s set-piece and breakdown work. The forward battle will be crucial, and England will need to be at their best to match the physicality of the French pack.
England Potential Path to Victory
In order to secure a victory against France, England will need to find a way to execute their game plan effectively, making the most of their new combinations in the backline. With Marcus Smith starting at full-back and Fin Smith stepping into the fly-half role, England has a unique opportunity to explore new tactical options. If the pair can build a strong connection and create opportunities for the likes of LaRue and others, England could gain the upper hand in this important clash.
At the same time, England will need to rely on their forwards to provide a solid platform, ensuring that the team can play an expansive game without losing control of the fundamentals. The back row, with the inclusion of Tom Willis, will also play a critical role in supporting the team’s breakdown work and defense.
Looking Ahead for England
Saturday’s match against France is an important test for England—not only in terms of their Six Nations campaign but also in their ongoing journey of rebuilding and improving. With key changes to the lineup, including the exciting debut start for Fin Smith, England is poised for an intriguing encounter. The team will be hoping to break their losing streak and build some much-needed momentum.
While it is still early in the tournament, the outcome of this match will have significant implications for England’s future in the Six Nations. By getting the right result, they will prove that their changes were the right move, and with a win, they could put themselves back on track for a strong finish to the competition. However, they will need to stay focused and execute their game plan to the highest standard in what promises to be an intense and challenging battle.
