England Six Nations squad: Steve Borthwick values 'blend of experience' in his selection
- Published
Exeter centre Henry Slade missed out on the World Cup but has been recalled by Borthwick
2024 Six Nations |
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Dates: 2 February-16 March |
Coverage: Selected matches on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer with live text commentary and BBC Radio 5 Live commentary on every match. |
England head coach Steve Borthwick said he values the "blend of experience" in his squad after naming seven uncapped players for the Six Nations.
Hooker Jamie George captains a much-changed and youthful England for this year's championship.
Borthwick's previous squad contained more than 1,400 caps and achieved a third-place finish at the Rugby World Cup in France in October.
"I do think we have some great young players," Borthwick told BBC Sport.
"There is a real blend of experience which I value, with young emerging players and almost every level in between."
Following the World Cup, Borthwick has lost a wealth of international experience with Courtney Lawes, Ben Youngs, Jonny May and Mako Vunipola all retiring from England duty.
Fly-half Owen Farrell, capped 112 times by England, also ruled himself out of this year's championship to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing.
Borthwick added: "I picked these 36 players as they can all play Test rugby for England.
"Do I think there is a benefit of having that blend of experience? Yes, I do think that is important and if you look back on my coaching you can see I value that.
"When a player really develops it's often the effect they can have upon their team as everyone is 5% or 10% better because of that player."
'I want Jamie to lead as himself'
The England head coach and former lock captained the side for three Six Nations' from 2008-2010, while Farrell took charge as skipper from 2019, only missing the 2022 campaign because of injury.
George, 33, has 85 caps and went to the last two World Cups as one of England's senior players, with a role in the leadership group.
"Owen Farrell is a unique character and a unique leader and we are both big supporters and fans of what Farrell brings to a team," Borthwick added. "It is not about replacing. I was asked if I had given Jamie any advice and the only thing I said to him was that I wanted him to lead as himself. "When I was captain of England I don't think I led as authentically as myself. There are a multitude of reasons but I have reflected on that and I think there is a better way of doing it."
The 2019 World Cup finalists have not won the Six Nations since 2020 and registered only two victories in the 2023 championship, against Italy and Wales, to finish fourth.
"You can see a lot of leaders within the team and the team has been criticised in the past for not having leaders. I see loads in a different way, shape and form. I have no doubt they will develop together," the 44-year-old said. "There will be a different dynamic and a dynamic that will help build this team."
England start their 2024 campaign away against Italy on 3 February.