England recall Ford to Six Nations squad
GEORGE FORD HAS A chance to revive his international career after being called
up on Monday (Jan 25) into England’s training squad for the upcoming Six Nations as a replacement for the injured Owen Farrell.
Ford has been in fine form for Premiership leaders Leicester Tigers this season but the fly-half was omitted from England coach Eddie Jones’ 36-man squad announced last week.
The 28-year-old did not feature during the November internationals, with Harlequins
fly-half Marcus Smith selected
as England’s No 10.
Ford won the last of his 77
England caps in March, during
a 32-18 loss away to Ireland in the 2021 Six Nations.
Jones named Farrell, a childhood friend of Ford, as
England skipper last week, even though the fly-half/centre has not played any rugby since suffering an ankle injury
against Australia in November.
But a fresh ankle injury suffered while the 30-yearold trained with club side Saracens has ruled Farrell out of England’s tournament opener at Scotland on Feb 5.
England suffered another setback on Monday when wing
Jonny May withdrew because
of a knee injury.
May's place in the squad has been taken by experienced
utility back Elliot Daly, who can play at full-back, on the wing and in the centre.
Courtney Lawes is widely
tipped to lead England in Farrell’s
absence for the Calcutta
Cup clash at Murrayfield given he stood-in as captain for England’s victories over Tonga and world champions South Africa in November.