England's preparations for their Six Nations Championship opener against Wales have been disrupted by a late injury scare involving the in-form winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
Training Session Setback
The Exeter Chiefs player was unable to complete England's final training session at Pennyhill Park on Thursday due to a leg injury. Medical staff under head coach Steve Borthwick are urgently assessing the extent of the problem, casting significant doubt over his availability for Saturday's crucial match in Cardiff.
Potential Replacements
Should Feyi-Waboso be ruled out, England's selection options include several tactical adjustments. Elliot Daly emerges as the most straightforward replacement on the wing, having extensive international experience in that position.
Alternatively, Borthwick could consider moving Tommy Freeman from the midfield to the wing, creating space for either Henry Slade or Max Ojomoh to start at centre. A more radical reshuffle might involve shifting Freddie Steward to the wing and promoting bench player Marcus Smith to the full-back position.
Cadan Murley, named in the squad, represents another option but is scheduled to feature for England A against Ireland on Friday night, potentially complicating his availability.
Significant Blow to England's Plans
Losing Feyi-Waboso would represent a substantial setback for England given his exceptional form this season. The 23-year-old started all four of England's autumn internationals, scoring two tries and establishing himself as a constant attacking threat.
His potential absence is particularly poignant as he has yet to face Wales at international level, having previously chosen to represent England over Wales when eligible for both nations.
Coaching Staff Assessment
England's defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed the fitness concern, praising Feyi-Waboso's attitude and development. "He's really keen to be as good as he can be," Wigglesworth noted. "He's really coachable, takes feedback really well, wants to learn and he's got incredible physical commitment as well."
Captaincy Changes and Team Morale
In related team news, Jamie George has been restored to the captaincy for Saturday's match, with Maro Itoje named among the replacements. Itoje missed the beginning of England's training camp in Girona after travelling to Nigeria for his mother's funeral.
George, who last captained England alone before being stripped of the role ahead of the 2025 championship, expressed his enthusiasm for the temporary appointment. "It's a privilege, I love this job, it's the best thing in the world," he said. "It's probably for one week and one week only so I'm making the most of it."
England's Favouritism and Expectations
England enter the match as overwhelming favourites, having won their last eleven consecutive matches. Some bookmakers price England at remarkably short odds of 66-1 on to defeat Wales, who haven't secured a Six Nations victory since 2023.
George acknowledged that this dynamic gives Wales a "free hit" mentality but emphasised England's determination to maintain their momentum. "We've made it very clear that we need to start big and start fast and set the markers down about what this team is going to be moving forward," the hooker stated.
The captain added that England haven't shied away from the weight of expectation, recognising that Wales will undoubtedly use the underdog status and historic rivalry as motivational tools.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, all attention remains on Feyi-Waboso's fitness assessment, with England hoping their emerging star can recover in time to face Wales in what promises to be a compelling Six Nations opener.
