England are set to receive a timely boost in their Six Nations campaign, with George Furbank and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso both potentially returning for the latter stages of the tournament. Their possible comebacks could strengthen the squad as they push for the title, having kept their hopes alive with a dramatic victory over France.
Furbank, the Northampton full-back, has been sidelined since December with a broken arm, while Feyi-Waboso has been recovering from a shoulder injury. Initially, there were fears that both players would miss the entirety of the championship. However, following England’s last-gasp win against France, head coach Steve Borthwick indicated that they might yet feature before the competition concludes.
The victory against France was seen as a sign of the team’s continued improvement, and with two rounds of the tournament completed, England sit third in the standings with six points. They trail leaders Ireland by four points but remain firmly in contention for the title.
Borthwick expressed his delight with the team’s performance, emphasizing the significance of securing a win. He acknowledged that while progress is important, having tangible results to show for it helps reinforce the development within the squad.
Feyi-Waboso had initially been expected to undergo surgery for his dislocated shoulder, which would have ruled him out of the tournament. However, after consulting with England’s medical staff and coaching team, he opted to pursue rehabilitation instead. This decision has kept the door open for his potential return before the championship concludes. Discussions around the best course of action took some time, but avoiding surgery has provided him with an opportunity to play a role in England’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Furbank’s return hinges on the assessment of a specialist following a recent X-ray. In his absence, Freddie Steward and Marcus Smith have both been deployed at full-back, with Smith shifting to the No. 15 jersey against France while Fin Smith took over at fly-half. If Furbank is cleared to return, he could add further competition for the position.
Borthwick also provided updates on other injured players, including Alex Dombrandt and Jack van Poortvliet, who are also working their way back to full fitness. Their potential returns could further bolster the squad for the crucial final stages of the tournament.
As part of the scheduled rest week, England’s players have been allowed time at home before regrouping at their training base in Bagshot. Their next challenge will be a highly anticipated clash against Scotland, with England aiming to claim their first Calcutta Cup victory since 2020.
The fixtures that follow include a home game against Italy and an away match against Wales. Ireland remain the team to beat, having won their first two games, but England’s victory over France has ensured they remain in contention for the title.
Elliot Daly, whose try proved decisive in the win over France, highlighted the importance of defending home turf in the tournament. With two more home fixtures remaining, England will look to make the most of their opportunities. He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Scotland, noting their recent dominance in the fixture and emphasizing the need for England to be fully prepared for the encounter.
With key players potentially returning and momentum on their side, England will be aiming to build on their recent success and strengthen their push for Six Nations glory.
