sport news CHRIS FOY: Steve Youngs leads the way for England's 30-somethings for the Six ... trends now
Like so many other England veterans, Ben Youngs is desperate to be in today’s first squad named by Steve Borthwick, but rather than spending yesterday in a state of anxiety, he had parental duties to perform.
‘My son has a big game on Sunday — Market Harborough Under Eights — so I’ll be there,’ said the scrum-half and Test centurion, after leading Leicester to victory at Clermont. ‘I’ll go and watch him daydream, make mudpies and occasionally chase a tag! What will be, will be.’
Perhaps this is the secret to the enhanced prospects of the 30-somethings who want to be part of Borthwick’s new England era — they are too busy with everyday issues to be consumed by tension or dread.
Steve Youngs is keen to be included in the England squad for next month's Six Nations
Youngs (right) is far from alone in the category of players who have children and a greater sense of perspective, which comes with experience. The older contingent could have a significant influence on England’s short-term future under their new head coach. There will be fresh faces in the Six Nations squad named by Borthwick today, but there could be plenty of familiar ones too.
Youngs was outstanding on Friday, as captain of a Tigers team which claimed a 44-29 win at Stade Marcel Michelin. On Saturday, Elliot Daly scored a hat-trick of tries for Saracens in the space of eight first-half minutes against Lyon. The first was a long-range gem, as was his massive 50-metre kick before half-time which showed his left boot is still a lethal weapon.
In Limerick, Courtney Lawes returned from his latest injury to play for Northampton, just in time to prove his readiness for an England return.
New England coach Steve Borthwick will name his England squad for the Six Nations tomorrow
Dan Cole was rested by Leicester but the prop is poised for an England return more than three years after his last appearance. Anthony Watson is temporarily sidelined again, but that might re-open the door to Jonny May. Jamie George is destined to start at hooker and Billy Vunipola will hope to continue at No 8.
To twist the old sporting mantra, if they are good enough, they are young enough. Owen Farrell being retained as captain would be further proof that the revolution is on hold and that the older contingent will not be swept away. The fly-half is 31, Daly and Billy Vunipola are 30, George and May are 32, Youngs and Lawes are 33 and Cole is 35. Many are likely to have key roles to play.
Why not? With just a few weeks until the Six Nations and less than nine months until the World Cup, England need proven pedigree as well as youthful vigour. There were veterans aplenty in the World Cup- winning class of 2003 and the 2007 team which reached the final in Paris.
Owen Farrell will remain the England captain under the new regime of coach Steve
