By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Fin Smith has emerged as a significant doubt for England's autumn opener against Australia following his withdrawal from Steve Borthwick’s training squad. The injury, involving a calf problem, was sustained during the second half of Northampton's Gallagher Premiership defeat against Leicester on Saturday.
Injury Assessment and Replacement
Smith will remain with the England squad to undergo treatment, but he will not participate in the upcoming three-day training camp. Gloucester’s Charlie Atkinson has been called up to take his place ahead of the second phase of the Nations Championship, which begins with the match against the Wallabies on November 8.
The severity of the calf damage is currently being assessed, with a medical update expected on Tuesday. Smith is in a race against time to be fit for the showdown at Allianz Stadium.
Impact on England's Fly-Half Options
As England's first-choice fly-half, Smith's availability is crucial for head coach Steve Borthwick. Smith has firmly secured the number 10 jersey following his performances in the recent Six Nations and the July Tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina.
If Smith is ruled out, veteran Sale playmaker George Ford is expected to step in as the primary replacement. Marcus Smith, who recently delivered a man-of-the-match performance for Harlequins, remains the third option in the squad. While Marcus Smith often plays fly-half for his club, Borthwick views him primarily as a versatile player capable of covering multiple positions, including full-back.
