{"id":195037,"date":"2025-06-18T18:13:07","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T18:13:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/195037\/"},"modified":"2025-06-18T18:13:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T18:13:07","slug":"maro-itoje-replaced-as-england-captain-by-the-obvious-choice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/195037\/","title":{"rendered":"Maro Itoje replaced as England captain by the ‘obvious choice’"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

However, Steve Borthwick\u2019s plans have been complicated by the absence of several key players\u2014most notably Maro Itoje. <\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

The summer tour now presents a valuable opportunity for uncapped players to break into the Test setup\u2014and for a new temporary leader to emerge.<\/p>\n

Who Could Captain England This Summer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Itoje\u2019s absence puts several experienced names in the frame to wear the armband. Among the leading contenders:<\/p>\n

1. Jamie George<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 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.<\/p>\n

2. George Ford<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A tactical general at fly-half, Ford remains RUCK\u2019s top pick for the job. His composure, leadership, and game management make him the obvious choice<\/strong> to guide a fresh-faced England side through a challenging tour.<\/p>\n

3. Henry Slade<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Consistent, versatile, and respected in the dressing room, Slade could also be in contention to take on more responsibility.<\/p>\n

With several big names likely to sit out the summer action, expect a reshaped England squad packed with new faces\u2014and a temporary captain ready to rise to the challenge.<\/p>\n

EDITORS PICKS:\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where Are They Now? The 6 Lions Prospects Backed by Sir Ian McGeechan in 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

Back in 2020, Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan tipped ten rising stars to take the rugby world by storm.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among them were six British and Irish youngsters, hyped as the future of the game \u2014 destined for Lions stardom.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to 2025, and just\u00a0one<\/strong>\u00a0has made it into Andy Farrell\u2019s Lions squad. RUCK\u2019s <\/strong>Lions content is\u00a0powered by\u00a0ISUZU<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

So\u2026\u00a0what happened to the rest?<\/strong>\u00a0We\u2019ve taken a look back at McGeechan\u2019s picks to see who rose, who stalled, and who vanished from the spotlight.<\/p>\n

1. Marcus Smith, England<\/strong><\/p>\n

McGeechan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What happened next:
Marcus Smith burst onto the international scene in 2021 and hasn\u2019t looked back.<\/strong>\u00a0A standout for both England and Harlequins, he lit up the Premiership with his electric performances, playing a pivotal role in Quins\u2019 unforgettable title run. <\/p>\n

That same year, he earned a shock Lions call-up \u2014 and made his mark. While competition at fly-half has intensified with George Ford\u2019s resurgence, Smith\u2019s flair and creativity keep him firmly in the mix.\u00a0Notably, he\u2019s the only player on this list named in the 2025 Lions squad.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2. Caelan Doris, Ireland<\/strong><\/p>\n

McGeechan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What happened next:
Caelan Doris has rapidly become one of the most influential players in Irish rugby.<\/strong>\u00a0A standout performer during Ireland\u2019s 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam triumph, the Leinster star has gone from strength to strength. <\/p>\n

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 \u2014 for now.<\/p>\n

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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