Tuesday, 11 June 2013

The English youngsters who will be stars of the future

With the absence of many regulars playing for the lions, England's squad against Argentina will hold many unfamiliar names for the majority of English rugby fans. A lot of these players may be unknown now, but they are certain to feature prominently for England in the future.
Here are some of the certain England stars of the coming years:
Mike Brown, Winger/full back
Having started to make an impression on England last season, resulting in a starting place for the Six nations, Brown has improved dramatically, resulting in many viewing him as England's best wing option. Expect great things from this Harlequins player.

Christian Wade, Winger
Wade is a pacy player and his speed helped set up England's opening try against the pumas. As well as the pace, his handling and passing is exceptional, with fast flowing passes keeping the defense out of position and England with all the momentum, similar to what happened for England's second try on Saturday. Despite all this, he is still young and so could, and should, certainly be a star of the future.

Jonathan Joseph, Outside Center
Joseph showed his strength and pace in setting up the first try. He evaded the tackle of one and shrugged off another before setting up Strettle to finish in the corner. These skills are necessary for an outside center, meaning Joseph could have a key role in future England sides, with his speed and strength coming to the fore.

Billy Twelvetrees, Inside Center
Twelvetrees has already featured for the national side, replacing the injured Tuilangi, but when the starters are Barritt and Tuilangi, it's very hard to break into the side indefinitely. However, Twelvetrees has the skills and is a very versatile player, meaning combined with his youth, these characteristics are certain to eventually earn him a place in the starting XV, whether or not that chance comes sooner or later.

David Strettle, Winger
The saracens wing is a proven point scorer and at 29, also adds some experience to the side. Though his years as an international player may be numbered, he is certain to have some impact on the squad in the coming years, putting pressure on club team-mate Ashton and the aforementioned Brown.

Freddie Burns, Fly half
Burns has a lot of talent, but with the youthful Farrell making the position his own, Burns could struggle to make the starters. However, his talent should definitely see he makes the squad, and if Farrell were to be injured, would be ready to cover him

Joe Marler, Prop
The 22 year old was originally drafted into the squad as cover for David Wilson but has since made the position his own and with his youth, is sure to keep it for a while. He was a key player for England in the Six Nations and may play more prominently in the years to come.

Rob Webber, Hooker
Webber has a task on his hands if he hopes to take the position from Hartley or Youngs, but with his ability he has the potential to do so. He performed admirably against the Pumas on Saturday and the backroom staff will hope he continues to do so.

Joe Launchbury, Lock
The wasps player is another 22 year old who will feature increasingly as time goes by. He is certain to play Lock for many years to come, having already taking the position for last years Six Nations. With his strength and power, he will be a key weapon in scrums.

Tom Wood, Flanker/number eight
 The 26 year old has been one of England's unsung heroes in recent tournaments, performing consistently and helping others create the headlines. But despite this, he has been a rock in the scrum and in rucks as well as making surging runs from the midfield.

Ben Morgan, Number eight
Morgan has really propelled himself onto the international scene with astonishing results. He has performed admirably in all his England caps, with his trademark runs through the opposition lines and his clinical finishing as shown against Argentina on the weekend. He also has great handling skills and can set up an attack when nothing seems to be on.

So with these players breaking through, and the likes of Farrell and Tuilangi currently unavailable, the future is certainly bright for English rugby!

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