Tom Willis and Max Ojomo could be in line for England call-ups for the Six Nations opener against Ireland, with Ojomo in line for a Test debut.
Manager Scott Borthwick is set to shake things up when he names his squad for the opening match of the 2025 tournament at 11.30am. on Tuesday, January 14.
England lost five consecutive Tests – which included a two-Test tour of New Zealand last summer and the autumn internationals against the All Blacks, as well as Australia and South Africa – before returning to winning ways in their latest series against Japan .
In addition to the expected call-ups for Willis and Ojoma, Alex Mitchell is set to return to the lineup after missing fall action due to injury.
Alex Mitchell is expected to return to the England squad after an injury layoff
Selling fly-half Raffi Quirke could also be worth a look as an alternative option off the bench, while it will be interesting to see how England fill the void left on the wing by the absence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
The 22-year-old will miss the entire Six Nations due to the dislocated shoulder he suffered during his trip to Exeter last month.
England face defending champions Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in their opening Six Nations game on February 1. Borthwick’s men beat Ireland at Twickenham in last year’s tournament which denied Ireland the Grand Slam.
England got the best of Ireland at Twickenham in the 2024 Six Nations
“Willis will be rewarded for his excellent form”
Sky Sports News’ James Cole:
The one player raising his hand higher than anyone else for a call-up to Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad is Tom Willis. The Saracens No 8 has been outstanding for his side this season.
Willis is an extremely powerful ball-carrier who always seems to make strides in contact – and his recent display against Bristol was one of the best individual displays of the season.
There are growing calls for Willis to start at No8 ahead of Saracens team-mate Ben Earl in England’s Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 1.
That is high praise indeed – and means he should be a player when Borthwick announces his wider squad on Tuesday.
Is Max Ojomoh in line for his England Test debut against Ireland?
Another non-existent international knocking on the door, is the Bath centre Max Ojomoson of ex-England fan Steve. He has no team but is very much on Borthwick’s radar after being called up to England’s training camp during last year’s Six Nations.
He’s in great form too, recently impressing against Northampton and Clermont. His silky handling skills and clever running lines make him a special talent. And although Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade almost certain to continue as England’s midfield pairing, Ojomoh pushes harder than ever.
The two Smiths – Marcus and Fin – It is sure to be named, but who starts at 10, divides opinion.
Will Marcus Smith get the nod for England again at No 10 in the Six Nations opener?
The mercurial Marcus has a unique ability to cut defenses open from anywhere on the pitch – but his command of the game at international level has been challenged by England’s poor autumn campaign. and with full-back George Fairbank injured, Borthwick may consider switching the Harlequins 10 to 15.
However, there is no debate over who should start at scrum-half in Dublin. Northampton’s return Alex Mitchell from injury is a huge boost. Borthwick – unsure of his order – switched between three different 9s during the autumn: Ben Spencer, Harry Randall and Jack Van Poortvliet.
Mitchell’s return will add pace and fluidity to England’s attack, as well as more control in the kicking game.
Having won just 5 of 12 matches in 2024, it looks like a good year for England and Borthwick. And Six Nations starts don’t get any tougher than Ireland and France on back-to-back weekends.
Six Nations 2025: England
- February 1: Ireland (a)
- February 8: France (the)
- February 22: Scotland (the)
- March 9: Italy (n)
- March 15: Wales (a)
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