Battle for a different No 10 may shape England's future

While Keir Starmer's arrival in Downing Street now seems a foregone conclusion, another battle for No 10 this summer looks rather tougher to call.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

Steve Borthwick will step into the polling booth ahead of England's tour of Japan and New Zealand with two contrasting, compelling candidates on his ballot paper - for Marcus and Fin Smith, opportunity knocks.

It was in no uncertain terms that Borthwick yesterday outlined the chance available to the two fly-halves. Having been forced to leave his Six Nations starter George Ford at home due to an achilles injury, the England head coach opted for only two specialists at the position in his 36-man squad, setting up a straight shootout between two of the most gifted playmakers in the country.

“Clearly there is an opportunity for a different starting fly-half to play against Japan in 12 days’ time,” Borthwick stressed, emphasising the need for hasty hustings with less than a fortnight to the opening Test in Tokyo. “The opportunity is there for that fly-half to really grab this team and take it forward.

“We’ve picked two specialist fly-halves in Marcus and Fin. They are two world-class fly-halves. Any injury to a player is an opportunity for another player. I expect Marcus and Fin to seize the opportunity by producing winning performances.”

Not since Morrissey and Johnny Marr has a Smiths battle been so intriguing. Their manifestos will not be to everyone’s tastes but there can be no denying that each has produced a strong case for contention for the new vacancy.