The unveiling of England's squad for the upcoming Nations Championship has sparked considerable discussion, particularly around the midfield selections. A notable inclusion is Benhard Janse van Rensburg, who is poised to make his senior debut, joining established players such as Max Ojomoh, Seb Atkinson, and Henry Slade in the center positions. Tommy Freeman is also on standby, ready to step in as needed.
Former England internationals Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly recently shared their insights, highlighting the potential dynamics of the England midfield. Watson, speaking as a representative for Buffalo Trace, the Official Spirits Partner of PREM Rugby, expressed his preferences for the center pairings.
"Based on performances this year, Janse van Rensburg is, for me, the best 12 at the moment,"
Watson stated, advocating for Ollie Lawrence at 13 to maximize his potential in open space.Despite a less impactful season at Bath, Lawrence will be missing the international action, watching from afar as his teammates compete in the Southern Hemisphere. Watson also praised Henry Slade’s contributions and resilience,
"I think you can’t look past Slade at the moment either,"
he added, emphasizing the balanced skill set that Slade brings to the team.Meanwhile, the conversation around the midfield does not end with the top picks. Fraser Dingwall, who started the first three games of the 2026 Six Nations for England, has seen limited playtime at Northampton Saints. Seb Atkinson and Max Ojomoh have also had their challenges, with Ojomoh facing significant competition from the emerging Janse van Rensburg.
Watson reflected on Ojomoh's situation, sympathizing with the difficulty of maintaining form and visibility in a competitive setup.
"It’s really tough for him with the emergence of Janse van Rensburg,"
Watson explained. He encouraged Ojomoh to persist, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating excellence in every game to secure a place in international rugby.Ojomoh's inclusion in the recent squad, however, is a positive sign, indicating that he remains in the strategic plans of head coach Steve Borthwick. As the team gears up for the Nations Championship, the dynamics within the midfield will be crucial to England’s strategy and execution on the international stage.