England have been rocked by another midfield injury blow, with Marcus Smith missing Saturday’s Six Nations opener in Italy.
Harlequins fly-half Smith suffered a calf problem in training on Monday, and left England’s Girona training base in Spain on crutches.
Smith has undergone scans since, but while England are still sweating on the full extent of the injury, the 24-year-old will definitely miss Saturday’s Stadio Olimpico clash in Rome.
Livewire talent Smith was in strong contention to start against the Azzurri, in the wake of former captain Owen Farrell standing down from Test duty.
Quins star Smith has added extra tactical and technical kicking accuracy to his play with his west London club this term, and his absence will prove a significant blow to the Red Rose side.
England were already missing power centres Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence through injury, with World Cup No 13 Joe Marchant off limits for selection after moving to Stade Francais.
Farrell’s absence too means England were already looking at an all-new midfield, but mounting injuries will now force head coach Steve Borthwick into even more wholesale changes.
Northampton’s uncapped fly-half Fin Smith will now be in line to feature in Rome, whether off the bench or starting.
Vastly experienced Sale No 10 George Ford would represent the safe selection at fly-half for boss Borthwick, though the 30-year-old has had to battle through several knee niggles in recent weeks.
Less than a fortnight ago Borthwick may well have been eyeing a Marcus Smith-Lawrence-Henry Slade midfield for the opener in Rome.
But enforced recalibrations could now see Northampton’s Fraser Dingwall slot into the inside centre role.
Exeter star Slade was omitted from the World Cup squad but has been back in prime form for the Chiefs this term, winning himself a full England recall.
The 30-year-old will be expected to be involved against Italy, and could offer a calming presence given his experience and poise.
