England Face Late Injury Worry as Feyi-Waboso Pulls Up in Training
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has handed England a significant injury scare just 48 hours before their Six Nations campaign kicks off against Wales on Saturday. The Exeter winger was unable to complete England's training session at Pennyhill Park on Thursday due to a leg injury, with Steve Borthwick's medical staff urgently assessing its severity overnight.
Potential Replacements and Tactical Shifts
If Feyi-Waboso is ruled out, Elliot Daly emerges as the most likely candidate to start on the wing against Wales. Alternatively, Borthwick could opt to move Tommy Freeman from midfield to the wing, introducing Henry Slade or Max Ojomoh at centre. A more radical option would involve shifting Freddie Steward to the wing and selecting Marcus Smith, currently named on the bench, at full-back. Cadan Murley, also in the squad, is scheduled to appear for England A against Ireland on Friday night, complicating selection decisions.
Impact of Feyi-Waboso's Absence
Losing Feyi-Waboso would be a substantial blow for England, given his superb form this season. He started all four of England's autumn internationals, scoring two tries and proving a constant threat on the wing. This resurgence marked his return to the international stage after missing last year's Six Nations with a shoulder injury. For Feyi-Waboso personally, it would be a desperate disappointment, as he has yet to face Wales after choosing to represent England over his eligible alternative.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed the 23-year-old is a fitness concern, praising his coachability and physical commitment. "He's really keen to be as good as he can be," said Wigglesworth. "He's really coachable, takes feedback really well, wants to learn and he's got incredible physical commitment as well."
Captaincy Changes and Team Dynamics
In related news, Jamie George has admitted he did not expect to captain England again after being restored to the role for Saturday's match, with Maro Itoje named on the bench. Itoje missed the start of England's training camp in Girona to attend his late mother's funeral in Nigeria. As a result, Borthwick has opted to start Itoje as a substitute, with George captaining the side solo for the first time since being stripped of the role before the 2025 championship. George previously served as co-captain with George Ford during last summer's tour of Argentina.
"It's a privilege, I love this job, it's the best thing in the world, being able to do this," said George. "It's an incredible opportunity to be doing it again. It's probably for one week and one week only so I'm making the most of it. Not a huge amount has changed, the leadership meetings that we have – myself, George, Ellis, Maro – we're having conversations, I'm speaking to Maro constantly."
Match Expectations and Pressure
England, riding an 11-match winning streak, are red-hot favourites to defeat a Wales side that has not won a Six Nations match since 2023. Some bookmakers have England at 66-1 on to secure victory, but George believes this gives Wales a "free hit" opportunity. The 35-year-old hooker has urged his team to embrace the high expectations.
"While we are looking to use the momentum of the last 12 months we've made it very clear that we need to start big and start fast and set the markers down about what this team is going to be moving forward," he added. "We haven't shied away from it. It's a free swing [for Wales]. When you're a leader of a team you go looking for what's going to drive us and I've no doubt they'll be using all the stuff that's going on in the background, the fact that it's England v Wales, if I was in their camp I'd probably be saying the same thing."
