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: Henry Slade, the veteran with 74 caps, should make way for 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?
The stage is set for a seismic shift in England’s lineup. When the squad is announced next Monday, expect surprises. In a nation brimming with rugby talent, merely being ‘good’ isn’t enough. The midfield, in particular, demands a rethink. Enter Henry Slade, a player whose international impact has been as subtle as a scented candle—pleasant, yet utterly incapable of igniting change on the global stage. England’s persistence with him feels like a superstition, a hope that familiarity will someday translate into form. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t.
Slade’s limitations are glaring. His left-to-right passing is a liability, with a dismal 59% completion rate since 2020. Defensively, he’s a wildcard, often breaking the system with erratic reads and passive tackling. His rushes out of the line disrupt the shape, leaving gaps wider than a welcome mat. While his supporters tout his calmness and experience, calmness alone doesn’t win matches—especially when the game is ablaze. And this is the part most people miss: England’s defensive collapses often start with Slade’s missteps. Harsh? Perhaps. But the stats don’t lie.
Now, meet the future: Max Ojomoh. Bath’s rising star is redefining what it means to be a complete inside centre. He plays with precision, control, and intelligence, setting the tempo and dictating play. His distribution is crisp, his defensive positioning astute, and his ability to create space is nothing short of masterful. Ojomoh isn’t just a highlight reel; he’s a system player, the kind England desperately needs. With an 88% pass completion rate and a 91% tackle success this season, he’s not just knocking on the door—he’s kicking it down.
And then there’s Ollie Lawrence, Ojomoh’s partner in crime. The most destructive 13 in the Premiership, Lawrence is a force of nature. His contact work is brutal, his post-tackle metres relentless, and his ability to shatter defensive lines unmatched. He’s matured into a player who combines raw power with precision, thriving within structured play. Together, Ojomoh and Lawrence offer England a midfield axis that’s fast, flat, and forward—a stark contrast to Slade’s flicker-and-fade approach.
But here’s the question: Is England ready to let go of sentiment? Test rugby is no place for nostalgia. Players aren’t picked for their tenure; they’re picked for their impact. Ojomoh and Lawrence deliver that in spades. They dominate collisions, manipulate space, and defend with conviction. Slade, meanwhile, plays like he’s tiptoeing through a minefield, afraid to make a mistake. After 74 chances, it’s clear—England can’t afford a 75th.
So, what do you think? Is it time to light the fuse with Ojomoh and Lawrence, or should England stick with the scented candle? Let’s spark a debate—comment below and tell us where you stand!
