Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan gives Hugh Godwin a helping hand when considering next year’s selection
That first get-together will miss players involved in the English Premiership and the United Rugby Championship finals on 14 June.
“At the moment you have to start with Irish names, when you look at how well they are going,” McGeechan said in his chat withRight now, you could make a case for at least 11 starters with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne and Caelan Doris in the forwards, and Jamison Gibson‑Park, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, James Lowe and Hugo Keenan in the backs, with many a pundit tipping the ultra-consistent back-rower Doris as tour captain.
Tommy Freeman of England must have a good shout with his utility value. At full-back, McGeechan name-checks Keenan of Ireland plus Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn – “I really rate him” – and Freddie Steward and George Furbank from England. “The choice of fly-half does shape games,” McGeechan says, “and if you have Finn Russell in your camp, you have someone who won’t be afraid of picking the moments to play.
“I’ve been really impressed with Fin Smith. He must be close to being England’s number-one 10, going forward. Having George Ford to guide him this year was perfect for him.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shoppers hail 'unique' Irish cream liqueur that's a 'delicious treat'The award-winning drink comprises single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate and Irish dairy cream
Read more »
British Diving Championships: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix wins British title to secure Paris spotAndrea Spendolini-Sirieix wins the individual women’s 10m platform final at the British Diving Championships to secure her place in the event at the Olympics in Paris this summer.
Read more »
British Diving Championships: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix wins British title to secure Paris spotAndrea Spendolini-Sirieix wins the individual women’s 10m platform final at the British Diving Championships to secure her place in the event at the Olympics in Paris this summer.
Read more »
Gareth Southgate must show he's learnt three lessons for England to win Euro 2024The Three Lions play their first match on Sunday.
Read more »
England fans are only just realising they've been signing the wrong 'Three Lions' lyrics for yearsEngland fans have been getting the Three Lions song wrong all this time
Read more »
England fans BANNED from drinking strong lager at Three Lions' first Euros clash with Serbia (and...England's crucial opening game is the only group match where fans will be served a maximum of two pints at a time of 2.5 per cent beer - which is half lager and half citrus soda.
Read more »