England legend Will Greenwood has singled out five England players as ‘key cogs’ for Eddie Jones men heading into the Autumn prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Writing in his column for The Telegraph, the 2003 World Cup-winning centre believes only five players are guaranteed starters with plenty of competition for places.
Greenwood, who won the last of 55 England caps against Australia in 2004, scored 31 tries for England including five in their World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s joint top try-scorer.
He has since become one of the most respected pundits in the game, operating as the top pundit for Sky Sports while also writing his column for The Telegraph.
Find out who he thinks ‘must start for England below:
#1. Maro Itoje (Saracens)
- Age: 27
- Position: Lock
Greenwood wrote: “Leads in so many ways, even without the armband. Tip of the spear so often for England. Dragging us through quiet moments. Bringing the heat. Defensive superpower at mauls, lineouts, breakdowns.
“He really is a force of nature. I do not believe him to lack discipline – he does not start games intending to give penalties away.
“The action moves so fast, and he is on top of it incessantly so may well find himself on the wrong side of a couple of decisions quickly.
“Maybe there are moments when he could learn to be present and effective but not push the boundaries but it is such a fine line. Huge player for England in the next 18 months.”
Fast Maro Itoje Facts:
- His full name is much more of a mouthful. The lock was born Oghenemaro Miles Itoje
- As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including basketball, football, rugby and athletics, representing England at U17 level in shot put.
- He is the cousin of Bath’s loosehead prop Beno Obano and Gloucester winger Ollie Thorley