Get ready for a rugby revolution! England's midfield is about to undergo a major transformation, and it's high time we address the elephant in the room.
The Scented Candle Dilemma: Henry Slade's Time is Up
With Steve Borthwick set to announce his England squad for the Autumn Nations Series, it's time to shake things up. James While makes a bold call: drop Henry Slade and make way for two rising stars from Bath Rugby.
England's rugby scene is buzzing with competition, and the midfield is a hotbed of debate. Being 'good' isn't enough when you represent a nation with such rich rugby resources. It's time for a change, and we're about to dive into why.
Henry Slade, with his 74 caps, has been a pleasant sight but with little impact. He's like a scented candle, aesthetically pleasing but unable to create any real impact on the game. England's persistence with him borders on superstition, hoping that familiarity will breed success, but it hasn't.
His passing, especially from left to right, is a liability. With a dismal completion rate of just 59% since 2020, it's time to question his role. Defensively, despite effort, he disrupts the system, rushing out of position and leaving his teammates exposed. His tackling technique is passive, and his reads are inconsistent. Slade's presence often creates more issues than it solves, and it's time to acknowledge this.
Enter the Complete Package: Max Ojomoh
Max Ojomoh, the rising star from Bath Rugby, is quickly becoming the most well-rounded inside centre in England. He plays with precision, speed, and control, distributing the ball crisply and positioning himself intelligently. Ojomoh sets the tone, dictates the pace, and has the potential to give England a functional midfield axis.
Bath's phase play revolves around Ojomoh, not because he's flashy, but because he's reliable, decisive, and efficient. He passes cleanly, carries with purpose, and links the forwards and backs seamlessly. Ojomoh creates space for himself and manipulates defenders with precision. He's more than just a highlight-reel player; he's a system player, and that's exactly what England needs.
The Destructive Duo: Ollie Lawrence
Ojomoh's partner in crime, Ollie Lawrence, is a force to be reckoned with at 13. His contact work is brutal, and his post-tackle meters are relentless. Lawrence carries the ball hard and smart, his angles are precise, and his footwork is compact. He maintains his balance through contact, giving England a gainline weapon they've been missing since Manu Tuilagi's prime.
Lawrence has evolved; his offloading game is clean, his defensive reads are sharp, and his support play is timed to perfection. He's learned to use his power with precision and structure.
A Museum No More: Time for a Modern Makeover
England's midfield has been a museum, with Slade as the curator, preserving his reputation while the game moves on. He's had chances to shine, to lead, but he's faded each time. His supporters talk about his positioning and experience, but in the heat of the game, calmness isn't enough. England needs players who create chaos for defenders and inspire confidence in attackers.
Test rugby is not a place for sentimentality. You pick players who make a difference, and Ojomoh and Lawrence do just that. Ojomoh's pass completion this season is near-perfect, at 88%, and his tackle success is high, with a 91% completion rate already. Lawrence leads the league in dominant carries, line breaks, and post-contact meters. These aren't just stats; they're a statement that England has better options.
The message is clear: England's midfield should be built around players who dominate collisions, manipulate space, and defend with conviction. Ojomoh and Lawrence fit the bill perfectly. They're built for the modern game, playing fast, flat, and forward.
On the other hand, Slade plays it safe, and it's time to stop waiting for him to deliver. He's had 74 chances, and England can't afford another.
In the fiery furnace of Test rugby, Ojomoh and Lawrence are forged for greatness, while Slade remains a scented candle, flickering and fragrant but ultimately irrelevant.
