Is it time for England to make a tough decision on Henry Slade? As the eagerly awaited announcement for the England squad for the Autumn Nations Series draws near, rugby analyst James While raises a compelling argument advocating for the exclusion of Henry Slade from the lineup to make way for two rising stars from Bath Rugby.
Change is on the Horizon
When England releases its squad next Monday, it’s clear that the competition for a spot in the team has never been fiercer. Expect to see some familiar faces missing and a shift in strategy as England aims to sharpen its edge. Simply being decent at the Test level will no longer suffice, especially for a nation that boasts some of the richest rugby resources globally. The focus will undoubtedly fall on England’s midfield, an area ripe for transformation.
Despite having earned 74 caps, Slade's impact on the pitch can be likened to that of a scented candle—it’s aesthetically pleasing and emits a faint aroma, but it fails to ignite any significant change in the game’s intensity. England has clung to him like a talisman, hoping that with time, the consistency might translate into form, but that has yet to materialize.
Slade’s left-to-right passing has become a liability, with a concerning completion rate of just fifty-nine percent since 2020—a generous assessment, indeed. His defensive game, while industrious, often disrupts the system rather than reinforcing it. He tends to rush out of the defensive line as if he’s late for a bus, leaving his teammates exposed and the defensive structure compromised. His tackling technique lacks aggression, his decision-making is inconsistent, and his presence in the lineup can sometimes exacerbate the problems rather than resolve them. Frankly, it’s harsh but necessary to acknowledge that many of England's defensive struggles can be traced back to Slade’s misalignment in the line.
Some may argue that this critique is overly harsh, but the statistics validate the assessment. Although he is often selected for his versatility, having played across various positions like twelve, thirteen, and even fifteen, his performances have never truly stood out as exemplary in any role. To put it simply, Slade resembles a Swiss Army knife without any effective tools—analytically useful, yet functionally ineffective.
Introducing Max Ojomoh
On the other hand, Bath Rugby’s Max Ojomoh is quickly establishing himself as one of the most accomplished inside centres in England. He plays with remarkable speed and poise, exhibiting sharp distribution skills and intelligent defensive positioning. He not only orchestrates the shape of the play but also controls the tempo, presenting England with a solid midfield axis that has the potential to operate seamlessly. Ojomoh’s contributions to Bath’s phase play are anything but superficial; they stem from his reliability, decisiveness, and ruthless execution.
Every movement he makes is intentional, showing a remarkable acuity that translates into successful plays. His deliveries are clean, carrying is purposeful, and his ability to connect forwards and backs illuminates the game—he elevates the performance of those around him simply by occupying the right spot at the right moment and executing effectively upon arrival.
Ojomoh possesses an innate talent for creating space for himself. His timing in offensive plays is impeccable, and his support runs are astutely planned. Simultaneously, he demonstrates an advanced level of skill in manipulating defenders, suggesting that he’s well-prepared for the rigors of Test matches. While he certainly has had some highlight-reel moments this season, his value extends beyond flashy plays; under coach Johann van Graan, he has proven to be a system player, and England desperately needs cohesive systems to thrive.
The Power Duo
Joining him is his formidable teammate Ollie Lawrence, who has emerged as one of the most formidable players in the Premiership at the outside centre position. Lawrence's ability to make harsh contact, wrack up post-tackle meters, and penetrate defensive lines is second to none. He combines power with smart decision-making, maintaining tight angles and agile footwork, making him a weapon that England hasn’t harnessed since the prime days of Manu Tuilagi.
Having matured significantly, Lawrence’s offloading game has become sharper, his defensive analysis is on point, and his support runs are flawlessly timed. He has refined his raw power to be effectively applied within a structured game plan.
No Room for Nostalgia
For far too long, England’s midfield has resembled a stagnant museum, with Slade acting as the curator who keeps polishing his legacy while the game evolves beyond him. He has had numerous opportunities to claim ownership of the jersey, to assert leadership, and to rise to the occasion, yet each time, he has receded into the background. His supporters may rally behind his positioning, experience, and perceived coolness on the field, but such demeanor is futile when the match turns intense. England is in dire need of players who provide bite, exude assertiveness, and create a sense of urgency for both defenders and attackers alike.
In the world of Test rugby, sentimentality has no place. Selection should be predicated on tangible contributions rather than historical lenience; Ojomoh and Lawrence exemplify this impactful presence on the field. Ojomoh’s pass completion rate this season is an impressive 88%, coupled with an outstanding tackle success rate of 91%. Meanwhile, Lawrence leads the league in dominant carries, line breaks, and post-contact meters. These figures aren’t mere statistics; they are definitive statements that underscore a clear message: England has superior choices available.
With the Stakes High
It’s evident that England’s midfield needs to center around athletes who can dominate physical confrontations, skillfully navigate space, and defend tenaciously. Ojomoh and Lawrence are perfectly equipped for the contemporary game, characterized by their fast-paced, forward-thinking style—plus, they are attuned to playing together consistently week after week.
Conversely, Slade tends to approach the game with an overly cautious mindset, as if he is trying to avoid stepping on toes, and now is not the time for further patience. He has had 74 opportunities. England simply cannot afford to extend him a 75th.
If Test rugby is indeed a crucible, Ojomoh and Lawrence are crafted for its intense heat, while Slade continues to flicker in relevance like that scented candle lingering on the windowsill—pleasant to the senses but utterly inconsequential in the grand scheme of the match.
