George Ford returns to the England squad with years of international rugby still ahead of him.
That is the firm belief of former Red Rose star Richard Wigglesworth, who plays alongside and coaches Ford at Leicester.
Ford, capped 77 times before being surprisingly axed in the autumn, is recalled by Eddie Jones for the Six Nations to fill the void left by injury to Owen Farrell.
Marcus Smith remains first choice for the starting fly-half spot away to Scotland on Saturday week but Ford has been the Premiership’s standout No.10 all season.
Wigglesworth said: “George is a top professional, he can get back in and play well for a number of years, I have no doubt.
“I’m not going to say Marcus isn’t absolutely on fire, he has been for a while. But Eddie has got options.
“I’m sure George feels his best rugby is still to come. I’ve been so impressed with his consistency. There’s no sign of him slowing down, either in his preparation or his attitude.”
Wigglesworth, the Premiership’s record appearance-holder, has quickly become a key member of Steve Borthwick’s set-up on and off the pitch.
Tigers have rocketed from the doldrums to the top of the table, at home and in Europe, aided by the surprise availability of Ford.
Few if anyone saw Jones’ decision coming to axe the 28-year old at the start of the autumn. But Ford took it on the chin and Leicester reaped the benefit.
“I said to George after he was left out that the next one will be the best one,” said Wigglesworth. “What I meant by that is when you’ve been left out you obviously have disappointment.
“But if you put all your energy into your rugby and focus on playing well and not kicking a can down the road, you’ll get your reward.
“George didn’t show disappointment at all, he just got on with it. England know they’ve got a good player and we know what he’ll deliver.”
Joe Marler has withdrawn from England’s Brighton training camp after testing positive for Covid a second time.
The Harlequins star, who missed the win over Australia in November first time round, learned his fate days after Montpellier’s Gaëtan Barlot, whom he propped against on Friday, himself tested positive.
Marler, who can still make England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday week, tweeted: “Covid can eat s**t…… but it does mean I can go back to my diet of chillis and onions”
England are well stocked at loosehead with Ellis Genge and Bevan Rodd and have not summoned a replacement.
Jones and his squad were last night forced to evacuate their team hotel and relocate as a result of a suspected electrical fire.
Meanwhile, Jonny May is waiting to learn whether his Six Nations is over before it has begun.
The Gloucester wing will miss at least the first two rounds and is awaiting the verdict of a specialist as to whether he can play any part.
Kingsholm boss George Skivington said: “The hope is that he will still play in the Six Nations. If he can then great. It’s unfortunate for Jonny because we'd like to see him playing for England.”
Steve Diamond has taken charge of Worcester after head coach Jonathan Thomas left with immediate effect.
"The project is simple for me," said Warrioors' new director of rugby. "How do you get 25 blokes who give a s**t about playing for their club. That's what I can create."
