Fin Smith is facing a make-or-break practice session this Wednesday, and if England’s chief playmaker isn’t ready, it spells major trouble for the autumn opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium. Smith needs to prove his fitness, training with his international teammates for the first time since he dinged his calf in Northampton’s loss to Leicester back on October 24. This isn’t just about one game; this is about setting the tone for their entire autumn campaign.
The Fly-Half Conundrum
The good news, if you can call it that, is England seems increasingly optimistic that Smith, a British and Irish Lion, will be cleared for Sunday’s Nations Championship clash. He’s reportedly sailed through every stage of his recovery so far. Head coach Steve Borthwick is set to name his team on Friday, which means Smith could get two full training sessions before his hoped-for comeback in the first of four Tests this month. We know Smith is massive for them, having been their first-choice fly-half since the last two rounds of the Six Nations.
But if Smith can’t get the green light, then it’s a battle for the number 10 jersey between Test centurion George Ford and the electric Harlequins ringmaster Marcus Smith. Talk about a duel between pure experience and raw form! Northampton teammate Tommy Freeman sounds positive, telling reporters, “Fin is really good and he’s tracking nicely. He’s doing the right stuff with the physios. It’s always good having him there because of the connection I have with him at the club, which will always be beneficial for me.” The team needs that connection, especially with what just dropped.
Mitchell’s Crushing Blow
Here’s the gut punch: England is reeling, and I mean *reeling*, from the loss of Alex Mitchell for the *entire* autumn campaign. A scan confirmed Mitchell’s fourth hamstring issue of 2026, a truly grim succession of injuries affecting both legs. This one needs weeks of rehab, taking him out of the Tests against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, plus finals weekend. The injury happened recently, while playing for Northampton against Gloucester on Saturday. As if that wasn’t enough, another Saints scrum-half, Archie McParland, is also out for at least the Australia game due to a calf issue. That means England had to call up Ben Spencer and Harry Randall to the squad just to fill the gaps.
Tommy Freeman summed up the feeling in the camp, saying, “To see Mitch go off like that is not nice, but these things happen. It’s sport, it comes with the game. We’re gutted for Mitch and hopefully it’s a good recovery for him.” Whoever steps in at fly-half, we know they’ll be partnering Jack van Poortvliet at half-back, which is a small piece of stability in what’s shaping up to be a chaotic start.
Freeman’s Wing Role Locks In
On a brighter note, Tommy Freeman’s role in the team looks cemented on the wing. He started there for England’s last two Tests, which were wins against Fiji and Argentina during the first phase of the Nations Championship back in July. He’s been versatile, even starting at outside center for the Lions tour in the clash with South Africa, his sixth consecutive Test start in the midfield. But it seems England has shelved experimenting with his position, at least for now. Freeman sounds stoked about it, too. “The wing’s been a bit of a focus,” he said. “Playing there and having that continuity there is probably where I’m very comfortable. But I’ll always have the ability to go into midfield if needs be. You see across a number of teams there are players who have the ability to cover positions. My point of difference is when I get my hands on the ball and create a threat. That’s when I can get some go-forward and put other boys into good positions.” Getting him comfortable and dangerous is key.
So, with Fin Smith’s availability still up in the air and Alex Mitchell officially out for the count, England is facing an uphill battle before the first whistle even blows against Australia. Borthwick’s team announcement on Friday is going to be absolutely massive. Can they rally and find their rhythm, or will these early injuries derail the autumn before it even truly begins?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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