Malins must force Eddie to make a change at 15

THE England full-back role is up for grabs this summer with Anthony Watson and Elliot Daly away with the Lions in South Africa. There are four players in the selection picture at No.15 for the mainly young England team that Eddie Jones has said he intends to pick for the summer matches against the USA and Canada.

- JEREMY GUSCOTT

At the top of the list is Max Malins, who has been in the senior England team this season, making most of his appearances off the bench. Malins came up through the Saracens ranks, but has really hit his stride after going to Bristol on loan this season. They are playing his type of rugby, counter-attacking at every opportunity. Who wouldn’t want to play in that Bristol backline, and learn alongside players of the calibre of Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra?

The guys with the best chance are with teams that are pushing hard to improve, and being part of a Leicester side that has made a bit of a comeback has helped Freddie Steward to make a case for himself. If, like Steward, you are good under the high ball, you get noticed, and it’s the same if you make a strong impression coming into the line.

Tom de Glanville has had his opportunities in the 15 shirt at Bath this season, and although he’s slightly built he’s got some pace – which, having played alongside his dad, must have come from his mother! De Glanville has got a good skill-set, but he has not been helped by playing in an inconsistent Bath side.

Northampton’s George Furbank has already had a taste of the big time at full-back with England last season, but his challenge is to prove that he is more than a very good club player – and that he can keep Harry Mallinder out of the Saints 15 shirt if he is at his best.

In recent years full-back has not been seen quite as much as a specialist position as it was 30 years ago. Today’s emphasis has switched more to having players who can be back three utilities who are comfortable at full-back or on the wing, whereas I can recall watching Dusty Hare kicking goals for England against Wales on the way to the 1980 Grand Slam, and playing the sweeper role at the back.