George Ford insists there’s more to come from England despite loss of Owen Farrell as Sale playmaker targets a strong end to the season
- George Ford is likely to be a central figure for England again this summer
- He has competition for the number 10 shirt from Marcus Smith and Fin Smith
- Farrell retired from international rugby for mental health reasons
George Ford insists there is more to come from England in the post-Owen Farrell era as the Sale No 10 plan a strong end to the season for club and country.
Former Test captain Farrell stepped away from international rugby at the start of this year for mental health reasons and is now ineligible for Steve Borthwick’s side after signing for French side Racing 92 for the 2024/2025 season.
Ford took over as playmaker for England’s Six Nations, which ended with impressive performances in a win over champions Ireland and a narrow defeat to France.
The 31-year-old, who is a close friend of Farrell, is likely to be a central figure for England again this summer when they take on Japan and travel to New Zealand for a mouthwatering two-Test series.
“It would obviously be different without Owen,” Ford said. “He has been a big part of the England team for years and the captain and leader.
“The key for us was probably not to make it the same as when he was there because I don’t think anyone can replicate what Owen does.
George Ford (L) is a good friend of Owen Farrell (R), who has retired from Test rugby
“In terms of results and performance, the Six Nations has probably gone from strength to strength as the tournament has progressed. Even though we lost the last game, I still thought the performance was very good. I know everyone wants things right away, but building a team and a way of playing sometimes takes some time.
‘We have done good things in the last two games. But I am proud that with a young team, which has changed enormously from the World Cup, we found a way to win in the first few games.
‘The middle match against Scotland was hugely disappointing, don’t get me wrong. But I am also very proud of the reactions to it. Given the way the team changed, the way we navigated the Six Nations and came through at the end was something we could all be proud of.
“The way that as an England team you see the boys performing for their clubs week in week out and the way they performed especially towards the end of the Six Nations means I think there is a lot to be excited about. I honestly think there’s a lot more to that team.
“We are at the beginning of the journey, but we feel like we are moving in the right direction.”
The fly-half has significant competition for the No. 10 shirt from Marcus Smith and Fin Smith
Ford excelled as England finished third at the World Cup last year, with Farrell still in the squad. With the Saracens man absent, Ford has significant competition from Marcus Smith and Fin Smith to start against the All Blacks. Those two matches with one of the game’s powerhouses, in Dunedin and Auckland, will be real tests that will show where England stand.
Before that there is a reunion with Eddie Jones. The former England head coach and Borthwick’s predecessor is now back in charge of Japan.
Ahead of the return of international action, Ford’s focus is on the end of the regular Gallagher Premiership season with Sale. Alex Sanderson’s Sharks are sixth in the table with two games remaining.
They are just two points off the top four and reaching the play-offs, but realistically need to win both their games against Leicester and defending champions Saracens to do that.
Ford faces his former side when Leicester arrive at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday evening.
Ford’s focus is on the end of the regular Gallagher Premiership season with Sale
“We feel like we’ve got a bit of momentum, a bit of confidence, and all our focus is on Friday night against Leicester because it’s do or die for us,” he said.
‘There is enormous faith in us here. We have two Premier League games left and we understand what we have to do. We’ll have to win two.
“It’s going to be a tough game in terms of where everyone finishes in the competition. We have been in a position for several weeks now where all we had to focus on was winning.
‘It was quite simple and crystal clear about what we need to do. I still feel like there is much more in us. I think there is an opportunity for us as a team to be more consistent in games.”