England’s midfield is stuck in the past, and it’s time for a revolution. As Steve Borthwick prepares to unveil his squad for the Autumn Nations Series, the spotlight falls on a bold call: dropping Henry Slade in favor of Bath’s dynamic duo, Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence. But here’s where it gets controversial—is England’s loyalty to Slade holding them back from embracing the future? Let’s dive in.
When the England squad is announced next Monday, expect seismic shifts. The competition is fiercer than ever, and simply being ‘good’ won’t cut it anymore. England’s midfield, in particular, is ripe for transformation. Enter Henry Slade, a player with 74 caps but an impact as fleeting as a scented candle—pleasant, yet utterly incapable of igniting change on the international stage. England’s persistence with him feels like a superstition, hoping familiarity will spark form. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t.
And this is the part most people miss: Slade’s left-to-right passing is a liability, with a dismal 59% completion rate since 2020. Defensively, he’s a wildcard—rushing out of line like a commuter chasing a bus, disrupting the system, and leaving gaps wider than a welcome mat. His tackling is passive, his reads inconsistent, and his presence often spells trouble. It’s harsh, but the stats don’t lie: England’s defensive lapses frequently start with Slade out of sync. Is this overly critical? The numbers say otherwise. Slade’s versatility is his calling card, but versatility without impact is just indecision. He’s been tried at 12, 13, even 15, yet never truly excelled. Think of him as a Swiss Army knife without the blade—theoretically useful, practically pointless.
Now, meet the future: Max Ojomoh, Bath’s rising star, is redefining what it means to be a complete inside centre. He plays flat, fast, and with precision, his distribution razor-sharp. His defensive IQ is off the charts, setting the shape and dictating the tempo. Ojomoh isn’t just a player; he’s a system enabler, making those around him shine. There’s no wasted motion, no delay—just pure intuition. He passes effortlessly off both hands, carries with purpose, and links forwards and backs seamlessly. Ojomoh doesn’t need space; he creates it. His attack timing is surgical, his support lines genius, and his ability to manipulate defenders is already Test-ready. He’s not just a highlights reel; he’s a system player, exactly what England needs.
But here’s the real question: Can England afford to ignore Ojomoh’s 88% pass completion rate and 91% tackle success this season? Or his partner in crime, Ollie Lawrence, the Premiership’s most destructive 13? Lawrence is a force of nature—brutal in contact, relentless post-tackle, and unmatched in breaking defensive lines. His angles are tight, his footwork precise, and his ability to stay upright through contact gives England a gainline weapon they’ve sorely missed. Lawrence has evolved; his offloads are clean, his reads sharp, and his support play perfectly timed. He’s learned to wield his power with precision, all while thriving within a structured system.
Here’s the controversial take: England’s midfield has been a museum, with Slade as its curator—polishing his reputation while the game leaves him behind. His supporters cite positioning, experience, and calm, but calm is useless when the game demands fire. England needs bite, edge, and players who strike fear into defenders and inspire attackers. Test rugby is no place for sentiment. You don’t pick players for longevity; you pick them for impact. Ojomoh and Lawrence deliver that in spades.
Lawrence leads the league in dominant carries, line breaks, and post-contact metres. Ojomoh’s stats aren’t just impressive—they’re declarative. Together, they dominate collisions, manipulate space, and defend with conviction. They’re built for the modern game, playing fast, flat, and forward. And they do it week in, week out, as a proven partnership.
Slade, meanwhile, plays like he’s walking on eggshells, afraid to offend. After 74 chances, it’s time to stop waiting for him to deliver. England can’t afford a 75th. If Test rugby is a furnace, Ojomoh and Lawrence are forged for it. Slade? He’s still the scented candle—flickering, fragrant, and utterly irrelevant.
Now, over to you: Is dropping Slade the right call, or is there still a place for him in England’s midfield? Do Ojomoh and Lawrence deserve their shot, or is this too bold a move? Let’s spark the debate in the comments.
