Photo via BBC Sport

Fin Smith sets England autumn ultimatum to hit form

Fin Smith believes England must conduct serious self-examination if they fail to deliver during their upcoming November fixtures. The 24-year-old playmaker has cemented his role as the starting number ten ahead of Marcus Smith and George Ford, running the backline in five consecutive matches under head coach Steve Borthwick.

Following an uneven 2026 record of only three victories across eight international outings—marred by an unprecedented defeat against Italy and a 42-21 home loss to Ireland—the national side rebounded somewhat over the summer. That trip included an emphatic 73-8 rout of Fiji and a tight 31-24 victory over Argentina, offset by a heavy 45-21 setback versus South Africa.

With upcoming tests against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, followed by a Nations Championship playoff, the fly-half stressed that further underperformance cannot be excused as mere rebuilding.

Smith is eager to replicate the 33-19 triumph over the All Blacks achieved in late 2025, which remains the signature win of Borthwick's tenure spanning nearly four years. Meanwhile, Smith's club director of rugby at Northampton, Phil Dowson, has voiced long-term ambitions to move into international management alongside head coach Sam Vesty.

The 44-year-old Dowson has steered Saints to two Premiership crowns and the 2025 Champions Cup final over four seasons, a dominant run reflected by Northampton supplying six players to England's summer roster.