Former international could save the day for England with 11th hour offer
No one is quite sure who will be wearing the No10 shirt for England tomorrow at Twickenham against Tonga after Owen Farrell produced a positive Covid-19 test this week.
Eddie Jones and his coaching staff have options, but it is unclear so far as to what will happen, as they have still not ruled out Owen Farrell playing. Fortunately, their worries have been allayed after Andy Goode offered his services to the England set up.
The former England fly-half came across one of his England shirts from circa 2009 this week when tidying up at home, and kindly offered his services to Jones if needed.
“Having a tidy up at home and came across one of my old England Rugby shirts. Thinking back to the good old days and I’m glad the shirt still fits! Eddie if you need me I’m ready!” he wrote.
Well as things have transpired this week, Goode’s offer may become a reality. He gently nudged Jones again on Friday, just as a polite reminder. “As I was saying Eddie, I’m ready……” he messaged again.
As I was saying Eddie, I’m ready…… https://t.co/gE1vJd98Nh
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) November 5, 2021
Marcus Smith seems the natural choice to replace Farrell if the England captain cannot play, but Jones has a penchant for rogue decisions. Already George Furbank has been mooted as a possible option to start at No10, despite largely playing at fullback for Northampton Saints, so nothing can be ruled out.
England XV to face Tonga (as it stands):
Starters
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 40 caps)
12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 43 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 66 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 93 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 109 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 59 caps)
3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 44 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 48 caps)
5. Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
6. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 87 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 24 caps)
8. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 33 caps)
Finishers
16. Jamie Blamire (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
17. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 72 caps)
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 23 caps)
20. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 1 cap)
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, uncapped)
22. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps)
23. George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
