Ugo Monye on England
England winger, 14 caps, 2008-12
Getty
- Michael Potts
England are looking in reasonable shape. They didn’t have the autumn they would have desired, but a brand new year opens up a brand new start. When you’re England head coach, you’re always under pressure. With Steve Borthwick not having the year he, or any of us, would have wanted, he’s got to try and deliver. Two years out from a Rugby World Cup, will we see a turnaround in fortunes? 2025 is the year where national teams will stick or twist.
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The squad is a nice blend of experienced and really young, exciting players. Maro Itoje is a wonderful leader, a brilliant captain and, at his best, completely world class. Fly-half Marcus Smith is one of the most talented, exciting players we’ve had in a very long time. He’s going to have a significant part to play.
Marcus Smith of England. Joe Allison - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images
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The number one phrase you’ll hear from every single coach is momentum. If England can beat Ireland in Dublin in round one, we can win the whole thing. I’m going to pin it all on that one game.
IN A WORD: “Excited”
Authors
Michael PottsSport Editor
Michael Potts is the Sport Editor for Radio Times, covering all of the biggest sporting events across the globe with previews, features, interviews and more. He has worked for Radio Times since 2019 and previously worked on the sport desk at Express.co.uk after starting his career writing features for What Culture. He achieved a first-class degree in Sports Journalism in 2014.
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