England v Japan: Marcus Smith getting ‘better and better’
Assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge says forward Marcus Smith is improving the way he links up with the rest of England’s attack.
Smith, 25, was one of the standout players in England’s three-match defeats to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series.
However, despite Smith’s creativity in attack and accuracy from the tee, England are in their worst form since 2018 after five consecutive defeats.
“I found Marcus very open to discussing the game,” Strawbridge told BBC Sport.
“He’s getting a better and better understanding of the game and his role in it.”
Smith’s performances since making his Premier League debut for Harlequins at the age of 18 have led to many calling for him to become England’s long-term option at centre-forward.
He has now made 38 appearances for his country, playing six consecutive Tests for the first time since 2022, but five of them have ended in defeat, four of which were lost in the final game.
England’s first trial Saturday against South Africa When Smith elected not to shoot, he drove to the blind side and opened up a chance for Ollie Sleightholme to run into the corner.
Strawbridge said England’s attack allows for such improvisation and also believes Smith’s game management is improving.
“In some environments I’ve been in, we put all the pressure on the 10, just like the quarterback in American football – they make all the decisions, calls and plays. But here’s the situation Not so,” he added.
“We are decentralizing decision-making and working to enhance that advantage. Marcus’ decision-making is within this structure.”
