England's Autumn Nations Series squad announcement is looming, and the pressure is ON. But the burning question is: Can England afford to keep rewarding mediocrity in their midfield, or is it time for a ruthless shake-up? One writer believes it's time to ditch a long-standing player and bring in some fresh blood from Bath.
Change is definitely in the air as Steve Borthwick prepares to name his England squad. Competition for places is fiercer than it's been in years, meaning some established names will inevitably face the axe. In today's rugby landscape, simply being 'good' isn't enough, especially when you're representing a nation with the vast resources that England has. The midfield is where the selection spotlight is most intensely focused.
The writer in question, James While, argues that Henry Slade's time in the England squad should come to an end. Slade, with his 74 caps, hasn’t delivered the impact expected at the highest level. While frankly states that Slade has had “about the same impact as a scented candle” on the field. He's aesthetically pleasing and subtly fragrant, but ultimately incapable of igniting a game and shifting its momentum. England, according to While, have persevered with Slade out of habit, hoping that familiarity will eventually morph into impactful performance. But it hasn't happened.
But here's where it gets controversial... While goes on to dissect Slade's game, highlighting perceived weaknesses. He claims Slade's passing accuracy is a significant liability, citing a completion rate of only 59% since 2020. Defensively, the critique is even harsher. While argues that Slade is a 'system breaker,' prone to rushing out of the defensive line erratically, creating gaps and exposing his inside shoulder. His tackle technique is described as passive, his reads as inconsistent, and his overall presence in the defensive line as more of a hindrance than a help. It's a brutally honest assessment, suggesting that England's defensive frailties often stem from Slade's missteps.
While justifies this harsh assessment with the claim that Slade, while versatile, lacks impact. He's been deployed in various positions – 12, 13, even 15 – but has never truly excelled in any of them. The writer concludes that Slade is like a Swiss Army knife without a blade – theoretically useful, but practically ineffective.
So, who does While propose as replacements? He champions two Bath Rugby stars: Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence.
First up is Max Ojomoh, who While believes is rapidly becoming England's most complete inside centre. Ojomoh is lauded for his flat, fast, and controlled style of play. His distribution is crisp, and his defensive positioning is intelligent. He dictates the tempo of the game and has the potential to provide England with a functional midfield axis. While emphasizes that Bath's attacking phases run through Ojomoh not because he's flashy, but because he's reliable, decisive, and ruthlessly efficient.
Ojomoh's strengths lie in his anticipation and execution. He passes effectively off both hands, carries with purpose, and seamlessly connects forwards and backs. He elevates the performance of those around him simply by being in the right place at the right time and making the correct decisions. Crucially, Ojomoh doesn't require space to be created for him; he creates it himself. His timing in attack is precise, his support lines are intelligent, and his ability to manipulate defenders is already at Test level. Furthermore, Ojomoh isn't just a player who produces highlight-reel moments; he's a system player, a product of Johann van Graan's coaching, and England desperately need systems that actually work.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about individual brilliance; it's about fitting into a cohesive team structure.
Then there's Ollie Lawrence, described as the most destructive outside centre in the Premiership. His contact work is brutal, his post-tackle metres are relentless, and his ability to breach defensive lines is unmatched. He carries hard and smart, maintains tight angles, and his ability to stay upright through contact provides England with a gain-line weapon they haven't had since Manu Tuilagi was at his peak.
Lawrence has matured significantly, refining his offloading game, sharpening his defensive reads, and perfecting his support play. He's learned to harness his power with precision and, most importantly, to play within a structured team environment.
The article argues that England's midfield has stagnated for too long, with Slade acting as a caretaker, preserving his reputation while the game evolves around him. He's been given ample opportunities to seize control, to lead the line, to be the pivotal player, but has consistently fallen short. His supporters often cite his positioning, experience, and composure, but While counters that composure is useless when the game demands urgency and intensity. England needs bite, aggression, and players who instill fear in defenders and inspire confidence in attackers.
The core argument is that sentimentality has no place in Test rugby. Players shouldn't be selected based on past contributions or tenure; they should be chosen for their potential to make a tangible difference. Ojomoh and Lawrence, according to While, fit that bill perfectly.
Ojomoh's pass completion rate this season is near-perfect, hovering around 88%. His tackle success rate is also impressive, clocking in at 91% in the current Premiership campaign. Lawrence leads the league in dominant carries, line breaks, and post-contact metres. These aren't just random statistics; they're powerful indicators that England has superior options available.
The message is clear: England's midfield should be built around players who dominate collisions, exploit space, and defend with unwavering conviction. Ojomoh and Lawrence check all those boxes. They are tailor-made for the modern game, playing with pace, directness, and forward momentum. Crucially, they have an established partnership, playing together week in and week out for Bath.
In contrast, While argues that Slade plays as if he's afraid to offend anyone. It's time to abandon the hope that he'll finally deliver on his potential. He's had seventy-four opportunities; England can't afford to give him a seventy-fifth.
If Test rugby is a crucible, Ojomoh and Lawrence are forged in its fires. Slade, on the other hand, remains a scented candle on the windowsill – flickering, fragrant, but ultimately irrelevant.
What do you think? Is While being too harsh on Slade? Are Ojomoh and Lawrence the answer to England's midfield woes? Or is there another player who deserves a chance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
