British BulletinBritish Bulletin
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech & Science
  • Travel
  • Spotlight
  • More
    • Press Release
What's On

Commonwealth Games 2026: Soppy socks & a slathering of deep heat – rain causes chaos in Glasgow

29 July 2026

Zack Polanski refuses to apologise for Nigel Farage beheading post

29 July 2026

King Charles climbs into cockpit of fighter jet during trip to RAF Marham in Norfolk

29 July 2026

Dick and Angel Strawbridge spill all on ‘major undertakings’ in new Escape to the Chateau series ahead of TV comeback

29 July 2026

‘I’m fortunate I survived stage 4 diagnosis when so many of my friends didn’t make it’ | UK News

29 July 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Web Stories
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
British Bulletin
Subscribe
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech & Science
  • Travel
  • Spotlight
  • More
    • Press Release
British BulletinBritish Bulletin
Home » Matt Dawson column: ‘England players now double in size in shirt’
Sports

Matt Dawson column: ‘England players now double in size in shirt’

By britishbulletin.com8 February 20262 Mins Read
Matt Dawson column: ‘England players now double in size in shirt’
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Tommy Freeman is rapidly approaching world-class status.

The package that he brings to Test rugby – the pace, size, aerial ability and appetite for the ball – is pretty special.

He was a starter for the British and Irish Lions in all three Tests against Australia in the summer and he is inked into this England team as one of those who will always have a place when fit.

However, there is a question over which number Borthwick will write next to Freeman’s name.

This was Freeman’s 23rd England appearance but only his third as a centre.

Considering that relatively paltry midfield experience, he was pretty damn good against Wales.

He hit superb lines, either hitting the ball up bravely into the heart of Wales defence or acting as a decoy, and worked instinctively with Northampton team-mate Fraser Dingwall inside him at 12.

They are turning into a dangerous and cohesive pairing – and England have been crying out for a midfield combination with those qualities for ages.

Where once the supply of centres was quite low, there are now a bunch of alternatives.

Ollie Lawrence, who is working his way back from a minor knee injury, may be available for Scotland. Max Ojomoh was very impressive against Argentina in the autumn. Seb Atkinson has credit in the bank from his performances on the summer tour of Argentina.

It means England can mix and match according to the opposition.

Do they want a punch in midfield or the ability to distribute quickly into wide channels? Gas around the outside or the ability to probe behind with kicks?

The ability to change tactics with different midfield selection is very, very exciting.

South Africa – the gold standard for everyone in world rugby at the moment – have the same.

The mix of Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse and even Andre Esterhuizen gives them different ways of playing.

That adaptability is a fantastic attribute for any team.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Keep Reading

Commonwealth Games 2026: Soppy socks & a slathering of deep heat – rain causes chaos in Glasgow

Commonwealth Games 2026: Stephen ‘Mariah Cleggy’ channels Messi to swim to gold for Scotland

Kick It Out calls for tougher sanctions as football discrimination reaches new high

Filip Nowacki: Jersey swimmer wins 200m breaststroke gold at Commonwealth Games

Ronnie O’Sullivan knocked out of Shanghai Masters by Kyren Wilson

Women’s Hundred highlights: Manchester Super Giants defeat Sunrisers Leeds by four wickets

Women’s Open: Charley Hull & Lottie Woad offer hope of another home winner at Royal Lytham & St Annes

Giulia Dragoni: Chelsea set to sign Italy international from Barcelona

Commonwealth Games 2026: Gymnast Ruby Evans wins first gold for Wales

Editors Picks

Zack Polanski refuses to apologise for Nigel Farage beheading post

29 July 2026

King Charles climbs into cockpit of fighter jet during trip to RAF Marham in Norfolk

29 July 2026

Dick and Angel Strawbridge spill all on ‘major undertakings’ in new Escape to the Chateau series ahead of TV comeback

29 July 2026

‘I’m fortunate I survived stage 4 diagnosis when so many of my friends didn’t make it’ | UK News

29 July 2026

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Brittan News and Updates directly to your inbox.

Latest News

Commonwealth Games 2026: Stephen ‘Mariah Cleggy’ channels Messi to swim to gold for Scotland

28 July 2026

One-Day Cup round-up: Notts Outlaws stay unbeaten while Lancashire post second win | Manchester News

28 July 2026

‘I’ve had enough!’ Michelle Dewberry forced to intervene in explosive row between Matt Goodwin and Labour peer

28 July 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest TikTok Instagram
© 2026 British Bulletin. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.