England’s midfield dilemma has long been a thorn in the side of its rugby ambitions. But here's where it gets controversial: with a chronic shortage of natural inside centres and inconsistent selection strategies, the national team has struggled to find the kind of settled midfield partnership that’s essential for international success. Yet, as England heads into the Six Nations Championship next month, there’s a glimmer of hope. Over the past year, the team has enjoyed an impressive 11 consecutive victories, and head coach Steve Borthwick now has more midfield options than ever before. In the last six months alone, he’s tested three promising players at No.12—Fraser Dingwall, Max Ojomoh, and Seb Atkinson—each bringing something unique to the table. At outside centre, Borthwick has a trio of experienced internationals—Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman, and Henry Slade—to choose from when England kicks off against Wales at Twickenham on February 7. The question now is: which combination will Borthwick select to help England reclaim the Six Nations title after a six-year drought?
And this is the part most people miss: the standout performance in those 11 victories was the 33-19 defeat of New Zealand at Twickenham in November. Dingwall and Lawrence were the centre pairing that day, and their chemistry was undeniable. Lawrence, now firmly established at No.13, has evolved significantly over the past few seasons, while Dingwall, often overlooked for his individual flair, brings smartness, solidity, and the ability to elevate those around him—qualities that are gold in international rugby. Against the All Blacks, Lawrence scored the opening try and delivered a perfect pass for Dingwall’s try, showcasing a partnership that dates back to their England Under-20 days. As Dingwall put it, ‘Centre partnerships take time to develop, but fortunately, we’ve known each other for a long time.’
But the midfield landscape isn’t without its complexities. When Lawrence and Dingwall were sidelined by injuries in the final autumn international against Argentina, Ojomoh seized his opportunity at No.12. His performance was nothing short of spectacular—a try, two assists, and a display of all-round skills that hinted at England’s long-awaited natural No.12. Ojomoh’s ability to run hard, handle deftly, and even produce a cross-kick for a try suggests he’s more than just a ‘glue’ player. Yet, international rugby demands more than just attacking flair—solidity in defence and organisational skills are equally critical. Atkinson, who impressed on the summer tour to Argentina, will also be in the mix for the Six Nations, adding another layer of competition.
Here’s where opinions start to diverge: Tommy Freeman’s transition from wing to No.13 has been an intriguing experiment. After scoring in every Six Nations match last year, Freeman started at outside centre against Wales and has since expressed a desire to develop his versatility. His hat-trick at No.13 in Northampton’s victory over Bath last month was a statement, but defending at outside centre remains his biggest challenge. As Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, noted, Freeman’s attacking prowess is undeniable, but mastering the defensive demands of the No.13 position is an ongoing process. ‘He’s picking it up very quickly,’ Dowson said, but will it be enough for the Six Nations?
As Borthwick ponders his midfield pairing, one thing is clear: this decision is about more than just the Six Nations. With the World Cup on the horizon, the chosen players need time to build understanding. None of the inside centres are seasoned in an England shirt, and all require time to develop at the international level. Does Ojomoh’s all-round ability give England a higher ceiling, or is Dingwall’s consistency and teamwork the key to long-term success? What do you think? Is Borthwick spoilt for choice, or is the midfield still England’s Achilles’ heel? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
