Ben Foden’s England XV: Bring back Marcus Smith + Joe Cokanasiga

While, Steve Borthwick went very early this week selecting his England team against Wales, 34-time Test full-back Ben Foden picks what he would have gone for.

The ex-Northampton star gives a clear nod towards former Saints players he believes are thriving in the current system, with Phil Dowson’s men currently sitting top of The Prem.

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Bold calls

1. Ellis Genge – Picked for his aggression and presence. Foden sees Genge as a prop who brings energy into the game and lifts those around him.
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie – Seen as a proven Test performer who brings edge and reliability. Foden values his physicality and trusts him in big international moments.
3. Trevor Davison – Foden is open about his bias here but believes Davison’s form at Northampton has been impossible to ignore. With England light on tighthead depth, he feels Davison has quietly been one of the most consistent operators in the Prem.
4. Maro Itoje – An automatic selection. Foden views Itoje as England’s most influential forward, citing his work rate, intelligence and ability to disrupt opposition plans.
5. Alex Coles – Another Saints inclusion. Foden highlights Coles’ engine and athleticism, feeling he complements Itoje well and offers balance in the second row.
6. Guy Pepper – One of the Prem’s standout back-row performers this season. Foden sees Pepper as a genuine long-term England option based on form rather than reputation.
7. Sam Underhill – Selected for defensive excellence. Foden rates Underhill’s tackling and breakdown work as among the best in the game.
8. Tom Curry – Not a natural No.8, but Foden believes Curry’s all-round quality makes him impossible to leave out. He still considers him one of the world’s leading back-row forwards.
9. Alex Mitchell – Another Northampton pick. Foden feels Mitchell has established himself as England’s first-choice nine through his tempo, control and decision-making.
10. Marcus Smith – Chosen for his creativity and attacking instinct. Foden enjoys the energy Smith brings and the way he engages both teammates and crowds.
11. Joe Cokanasiga – Picked for power and finishing. Foden believes Cokanasiga offers England something different in terms of physical dominance out wide.
12. Fraser Dingwall – A leadership-led selection. Foden values Dingwall’s organisation, intelligence and influence, particularly in a developing England midfield.
13. Tommy Freeman – Another Saints inclusion, selected for versatility and physicality. Foden feels Freeman continues to grow into an international-quality back.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – Chosen for explosiveness. Foden sees him as a player capable of producing moments that change matches instantly.
15. George Furbank – Foden rounds things off with another Northampton pick, favouring Furbank’s creativity and counter-attacking threat from the backfield.

Honourable mentions

Foden also gives a nod to Henry Pollock, whose impact off the bench and ability to change games makes him an exciting option for England’s future, even if he sees value in using him as a finisher rather than a starter.

There is also praise for Henry Arundell, with Foden highlighting his pace and try-scoring threat, believing he offers something different and remains a dangerous weapon in wider channels.

Written by Amelie Claydon

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