England's match with Fiji on Saturday is facing an injury crisis, with key players Tom Roebuck and Freddie Steward both struggling to train due to ankle injuries. Roebuck, who played a crucial role in England's 25-7 win over Australia last weekend, limped out of training sessions on Tuesday and his fitness for the match is now in doubt.
Steward, the full-back who has been an integral part of England's backline, also picked up a hand injury during their previous game against Australia at Twickenham. His absence from training this week has cast a shadow over his availability for selection.
However, assistant coach Kevin Sinfield believes that Marcus Smith is a contender to start at 15 if Steward is ruled out. Smith, who was overlooked by the coaching staff last weekend, could provide an experienced and reliable presence in the backline.
Sinfield acknowledged that managing the three fly-halves - Smith, George Ford, and Henry Pollock - can be challenging, but he praised their professionalism and understanding of team dynamics. "You don't keep them all happy," Sinfield said, "but they are all good men who understand the value of the team."
Pollock, who has made two impressive cameos off the bench for England, is likely to make his first start for his country against Fiji. Sinfield described Pollock as a confident and enthusiastic player who brings energy to the group.
With the match-day squad set to be confirmed on Thursday, England will need to navigate these injury concerns while still looking to extend their winning streak. The Allianz Stadium at Twickenham hosts the match, with kick-off scheduled for 5:40 pm GMT.
Steward, the full-back who has been an integral part of England's backline, also picked up a hand injury during their previous game against Australia at Twickenham. His absence from training this week has cast a shadow over his availability for selection.
However, assistant coach Kevin Sinfield believes that Marcus Smith is a contender to start at 15 if Steward is ruled out. Smith, who was overlooked by the coaching staff last weekend, could provide an experienced and reliable presence in the backline.
Sinfield acknowledged that managing the three fly-halves - Smith, George Ford, and Henry Pollock - can be challenging, but he praised their professionalism and understanding of team dynamics. "You don't keep them all happy," Sinfield said, "but they are all good men who understand the value of the team."
Pollock, who has made two impressive cameos off the bench for England, is likely to make his first start for his country against Fiji. Sinfield described Pollock as a confident and enthusiastic player who brings energy to the group.
With the match-day squad set to be confirmed on Thursday, England will need to navigate these injury concerns while still looking to extend their winning streak. The Allianz Stadium at Twickenham hosts the match, with kick-off scheduled for 5:40 pm GMT.
its like tom roebuck & freddie stewert cant even train due to injuries lol what if they dont make it? 
anyway Marcus smith seems like a good alternative starter but sinfield said managing those 3 fly-halvs is hard cuz u gotta keep them all happy 
pollock's first start looks promising tho! fingers crossed england wins again 
. But on the bright side, Marcus Smith could be a game-changer at 15 if Steward is ruled out 
! I mean, he was pretty good against Australia too, but his experience and reliability would definitely give England an edge.
... England needs to stay focused and hope these injuries don't pile up too much more 
like what happened to our boys?? i remember when jonny may was injured and we still managed to beat france in the world cup 
, maybe this is a sign that something good is coming? anyway, i think marcus smith could be a solid replacement at 15 if stewert is out... he's got experience & all that 
). Anyway, Marcus Smith seems like a solid replacement for Steward, but managing three fly-halves at once is like trying to herd cats on the pitch... 
good luck with that! And Pollock's gonna have to step up his game if he wants to make that start. England's gonna need to stay focused and hope their squad gets back in shape for Fiji, or it'll be a tough match to win 
I think it's crazy that they're having so many problems with injuries 
. On the other hand, Marcus Smith seems like a solid player who could fill in for Steward 
. And good on Pollock for getting his first start - he's definitely got some energy to bring to the team 
. I'm curious to see how Sinfield manages the fly-halves situation 
. Hopefully, they can get all their players healthy and ready for kick-off 
.
️, he's been doing well in training and could step up to start at 15 if needed 
. Pollock looks like a game-changer off the bench, can't wait to see him shine 
! The team's gonna need to stay focused and hope these injuries don't take too much out of them 
? He was overlooked last time, so who knows if he'll be ready to start 
? And Pollock's been making a case for himself off the bench... 
[
and sinfield seems like a cool coach, loves his players even when they're not happy about it 
️
but at the same time, it's gonna be tough for them to keep all these fly-halves happy 
fingers crossed they can get everyone fit and ready for saturday 
- who's gonna get hurt next? 
It's like Kevin Sinfield's got his work cut out trying to manage these three talented but moody fly-halves 
And now they're considering Marcus Smith to start at 15, like he's some kind of emergency backup plan 
. And Pollock making his first start? Please 
, that's not fair to the other players who've been performing well all season. I'm so over Sinfield's "team dynamics" nonsense - it sounds like just a fancy way of saying they're too lazy to make tough decisions 
. Smith starting at 15 would be a solid move, but let's be real, he needs to step up his game if he wants to hold down Steward's spot 
. And what's with all these fly-half drama? Can't they just chill and focus on the win? 
. First, this injury crisis hits England just as they're about to face Fiji? It's like they're trying to create a distraction from whatever's really going on behind the scenes 
. Pollock gets a first start and everyone's happy? Give me a break! 
.
His bench performances have been solid and I think he'd bring a much-needed spark off the bench if called upon. It'll be interesting to see how Smith and Ford handle playing alongside each other, their dynamic is always intense... 
. But at the same time, it shows that there's some depth in the squad, right? I'm curious to see how Pollock does in his first start... he seems like an exciting player! 
. but on the bright side, marcus smith is lookin like a solid option to start at 15 if stewert is ruled out 
i'm low-key hyped for this match tho, it's gonna be a nail-biter