Chris Ashton Recommends Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell Lineup for England’s World Cup Quarter-Final

In the world of rugby, former international wing Chris Ashton is making waves with his bold recommendation for the England national team. According to Ashton, in the upcoming World Cup quarter-final against Fiji, Marcus Smith should be given the crucial role of full-back, while captain Owen Farrell should take on the fly-half position. This suggestion has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among rugby enthusiasts.

Farrell’s potential shift to the fly-half position, replacing George Ford, is a significant development in the England team’s strategy. This decision is expected to be executed in Marseille, and it brings about a reshuffling of key positions within the team. In the same vein, Marcus Smith is anticipated to take over Freddie Steward’s role as the full-back.

It’s worth noting that Marcus Smith has already showcased his skills as a full-back during England’s resounding 71-0 victory over Chile in the pool stage. This match allowed observers to witness Smith’s prowess in the full-back position, making him a viable choice for the upcoming quarter-final against Fiji.

One of the strengths Smith brings to the table is his remarkable speed, which has been further honed through training with the legendary Olympic athlete, Daley Thompson. Smith, a 24-year-old player primarily known for his skills as a fly-half, might not possess the same defensive or aerial abilities as Freddie Steward, but these qualities may be less relevant against a Fiji team that is not renowned for its kicking game.

The selection of Owen Farrell as the fly-half comes with its own implications. It is crucial to consider how this choice impacts the overall dynamic of the team, as Farrell’s experience and leadership as the team captain play a pivotal role in England’s performance.

In the previous matches, George Ford impressed with his performance as the fly-half when Farrell was suspended. The duo of Ford and Farrell, operating at 10 and 12, respectively, played a key role in England’s hard-fought 18-17 victory over Samoa. Ford was substituted in the 51st minute of that match, but former England captain Matt Dawson expressed his surprise at the idea of Farrell replacing Ford in the quarter-final.

Beyond the pivotal decision of who will play at fly-half and full-back, England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, faces additional challenges. These include determining if Freddie Steward should remain on the wing and selecting the ideal combination of centers from options like Manu Tuilagi, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Marchant, and Elliot Daly to form the midfield.

No matter the final lineup, the inclusion of Owen Farrell at fly-half and Marcus Smith at full-back is set to create a notably different backline compared to the team that suffered their first defeat by Fiji at Twickenham in August, where George Ford played at 10 and Freddie Steward at 15.

Chris Ashton firmly believes that deploying Owen Farrell at the fly-half position necessitates Marcus Smith’s inclusion at full-back. According to him, this move is essential for enhancing the team’s attacking options. In a high-stakes quarter-final match, with no room for error, the England team is ready to take on this daring strategy.

The stage is set for an exciting clash as England prepares to face Fiji in the quarter-final, and rugby fans around the world eagerly await the official lineup announcement from England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick. The outcome of these strategic choices will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of England’s World Cup journey.