England rugby captain Owen Farrell was allegedly involved in a training ground altercation with a young teammate, which may have led to him being overlooked for the World Cup. As a result, Marcus Smith is set to start at full back for England in the quarter-final against Fiji, with Farrell chosen ahead of George Ford at fly half. This decision indicates a change in the 10-12 playmaking axis for England. Steve Borthwick, the England boss, is expected to start Smith at full-back, along with Alex Mitchell and Farrell. Ford is likely to be dropped to the bench. Chris Ashton supports the decision to start Smith at full-back.
England boss Steve Borthwick is expected to start Marcus Smith at full-back against Fiji 🏴 Alex Mitchell and Owen Farrell are also expected to start 🏉 https://t.co/nu5VnzHYMD
Should Marcus Smith start at full-back for England against Fiji? 🤔 Chris Ashton thinks so! #BBCRugby #ENGvFIJ https://t.co/PzoZpeAKPm
Borthwick to gamble on Farrell and Smith with Ford set for England axe https://t.co/rrL0TgUskm
1⃣0⃣ Owen Farrell 1⃣5⃣ Marcus Smith ❌ George Ford 🏴 England look set to ditch the 10-12 playmaking axis. #RWC2023 https://t.co/y4iFBmcUCk
George Ford to be dropped for Fiji match as Steve Borthwick prepares to make boldest selection call of his England career ✍️ @danscho1 in Aix-en-Provence #TelegraphRugby I #RWC2023
🔺 NEW: Marcus Smith is set to start at full back for England in the World Cup quarter-final against Fiji on Sunday, with Owen Farrell chosen ahead of George Ford at fly half. Read the story by clicking on the pic below ⬇️ https://t.co/hALCZIYJfE
As per @FoyChris & @Nik_Simon88 — understand @TimesSport, two big selection calls incoming from #ENG Marcus Smith to start at 15, Owen Farrell at 10. Sounds like Ford bench and Steward out of the 23. Bold. More on the site shortly.
Breaking: Farrell to start at 10 for England v Fiji on Sunday, with Ford dropped to the bench and Smith set to be unleashed from kick-off at full-back - big selection story with @Nik_Simon88 for @MailSport … https://t.co/wnsK9Erm8w
Looks like Farrell at 10 and Smith at 15 for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji. Exclusive @MailSport story with @FoyChris https://t.co/6IVIKEYBll
Skipper Owen Farrell was allegedly involved in a training ground “scrap” with a young teammate, resulting in him being overlooked by England at the World Cup. https://t.co/17aJB4C7uo