Tom Willis and Max Ojomoh could be on England's call-up list for their Six Nations opener against Ireland, with Ojomoh set to make his Test debut.
Coach Scott Borthwick is set to shake things up when he names his squad for the opening match of the 2025 Championship at 11.30am on Tuesday 14 January.
England lost five successive Tests – spanning a Test tour of New Zealand last summer and an autumn international against the All Blacks, as well as Australia and South Africa – before returning to winning ways in the final round against Japan.
In addition to the expected call-ups for both Willis and Agumah, scrum-half Alex Mitchell is set to return to the team after missing the autumn game through injury.
Scrum-half Alex Mitchell is expected to return to the England squad after a period out injured
It could also be worth looking at centre-half Raffy Quirke as an alternative option from the bench, while it will be interesting to see how England fill the void left by the absence of Emmanuel Faye-Wabuso.
The 22-year-old will miss the entire Six Nations due to a dislocated shoulder which he suffered while on duty at Exeter last month.
Defending champions England face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin in their opening match of the Six Nations on February 1. Borthwick's men beat Ireland at Twickenham in last year's tournament, denying Ireland a Grand Slam win.
England beat Ireland at Twickenham in the 2024 Six Nations
“Willis is set to be rewarded for his outstanding level.”
James Cole from Sky Sports News:
The only player who raises his hand higher than any other for a Six Nations call-up to Steve Borthwick's side is Tom Willis. The Muslim No.8 has been outstanding for his club this season.
Willis is a very strong ball-carrier, who always seems to make contact with the ball – and his recent performance against Bristol was one of the best individual performances of the season.
There are growing calls for Willis to start at number eight ahead of his Saracens team-mate, Ben Earl, in England's Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 1.
That's high praise indeed – and means he should be the focus of attention when Borthwick announces his wider squad on Tuesday.
Is Max Ojomoh in line to make his England Test debut against Ireland?
Another little-known international center is knocking on the door, and that is Bath Max Ojomohson of former England back row, Steve. He is uncapped but is very much on Borthwick's radar, having been called up to England's training camp during last year's Six Nations Championship.
He is also in excellent form, recently featuring against Northampton and Claremont. His silky tackling skills and smart running lines make him a standout talent. Although Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade England's midfield is almost certain to continue, Ojomoh pressing harder than ever.
Blacksmiths – Marcus and Finn – His name will certainly be mentioned, but whoever starts at ten, opinion is divided.
Will Marcus Smith get England's nod once again at number 10 in their Six Nations opener?
The mercurial Marcus has a unique ability to cut defenses open from anywhere on the pitch – but his management of the game at international level has been called into question since England's poor autumn campaign; And with full-back George Furbank injured, Borthwick may consider switching Harlequins 10 to 15 squad.
However, there is no debate over who should start in Dublin's half of the party. Northampton returns Alex Mitchell From injury is a huge boost. Borthwick – unsure of his pecking order – switched between three different number 9s during the autumn: Ben Spencer, Harry Randall and Jack van Poortvliet.
Mitchell's return will add speed and fluidity to England's attack, as well as more control over their kicking game.
After winning just 5 out of 12 matches in 2024, this looks to be a crucial year for England and Borthwick. And the start of the Six Nations is no tougher than Ireland and France on successive weekends.
Six Nations 2025 matches: England
- February 1: Ireland (A)
- February 8: France (h)
- February 22: Scotland (h)
- March 9: Italy (H)
- March 15: Wales (A)
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