While the British & Irish Lions prepare for their 2025 tour of Australia, England have their own international agenda this summer, including a two-Test series against Argentina and a standalone fixture in Washington, D.C. against the United States.
However, Steve Borthwick’s plans have been complicated by the absence of several key players—most notably Maro Itoje.
Having replaced Jamie George as England captain ahead of the 2025 Six Nations, Itoje will be unavailable this summer due to Lions duties. That leaves Borthwick with a crucial decision: who will lead England in his place?
With the Autumn Nations Series just months away, Borthwick may choose to rest additional senior players, opening the door for younger talent to gain experience.
The summer tour now presents a valuable opportunity for uncapped players to break into the Test setup—and for a new temporary leader to emerge.
Who Could Captain England This Summer?
Itoje’s absence puts several experienced names in the frame to wear the armband. Among the leading contenders:
1. Jamie George – Having previously captained England, George is a natural option to step back into the role. His leadership during the Six Nations was well-regarded, and he brings stability to a potentially youthful squad.
2. George Ford – A tactical general at fly-half, Ford remains RUCK’s top pick for the job. His composure, leadership, and game management make him the obvious choice to guide a fresh-faced England side through a challenging tour.
3. Henry Slade – Consistent, versatile, and respected in the dressing room, Slade could also be in contention to take on more responsibility.
With several big names likely to sit out the summer action, expect a reshaped England squad packed with new faces—and a temporary captain ready to rise to the challenge.
EDITORS PICKS:
Where Are They Now? The 6 Lions Prospects Backed by Sir Ian McGeechan in 2020
Back in 2020, Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan tipped ten rising stars to take the rugby world by storm.
Among them were six British and Irish youngsters, hyped as the future of the game — destined for Lions stardom.
Fast forward to 2025, and just one has made it into Andy Farrell’s Lions squad. RUCK’s Lions content is powered by ISUZU.
So… what happened to the rest? We’ve taken a look back at McGeechan’s picks to see who rose, who stalled, and who vanished from the spotlight.
1. Marcus Smith, England
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
Smith was praised for his calmness under pressure, a hallmark of great players. A rapid rise from school rugby to Harlequins, he was seen as a future England star despite not yet being capped.
What happened next:
Marcus Smith burst onto the international scene in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. A standout for both England and Harlequins, he lit up the Premiership with his electric performances, playing a pivotal role in Quins’ unforgettable title run.
That same year, he earned a shock Lions call-up — and made his mark. While competition at fly-half has intensified with George Ford’s resurgence, Smith’s flair and creativity keep him firmly in the mix. Notably, he’s the only player on this list named in the 2025 Lions squad.
2. Caelan Doris, Ireland
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
Doris was identified as a special talent, standing out for his ball-carrying and physicality at Leinster. McGeechan expected him to win many Ireland caps.
What happened next:
Caelan Doris has rapidly become one of the most influential players in Irish rugby. A standout performer during Ireland’s 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam triumph, the Leinster star has gone from strength to strength.
Regarded as one of the finest No. 8s on the planet, his consistency and leadership saw him tipped as a frontrunner to lead the British & Irish Lions in 2025. However, cruelly, injury has dashed those hopes — for now.
Like this:
Like Loading…