George Ford is ruled OUT of England’s summer tour matches against Japan and New Zealand with Achilles injury in major blow to Steve Borthwick’s side

George Ford will miss England’s summer tour matches with Japan and New Zealand, leaving national coach Steve Borthwick ‘disappointed’ to be without one of his most trusted lieutenants.

Mail Sport revealed on Sunday that the experienced flyhalf will not travel to the southern hemisphere due to an Achilles injury in news quickly confirmed by the RFU.

Ford’s fitness problem presents a golden opportunity for both Marcus and Finn Smith – two of English football’s brightest young talents – who will now be involved in a straight shootout to become Borthwick’s first-choice No.10 in the southern hemisphere. England’s final squad for those matches will be confirmed on Monday, but Ford’s name will be missing from the list.

“We are of course disappointed that George will not be with us in Japan and New Zealand, but after specialist medical advice and in consultation with George himself we have decided this is the best course of action,” Borthwick said.

“George is a huge part of the England team and is an excellent professional who I know will continue his rehabilitation diligently to ensure he is back on track as quickly as possible.”

Ford has been in camp with England but will miss the games due to an Achilles injury

The news is a major blow for Steve Borthwick, who has relied heavily on the player during his time as England coach

Ford was in the England camp after his club Sale were beaten by Bath in the Gallagher Premiership play-offs, but he has been unable to shake his pre-existing Achilles problem.

His absence in the summer is a major blow for Borthwick, who is a big fan of the player, as they teamed up to win a Premiership title at Leicester in 2022.

After Owen Farrell retired from international rugby following last year’s World Cup, Ford’s experience as a playmaker has become vital for Borthwick and he impressed during this year’s Six Nations. Ford started every Championship match as England’s attacking play progressed well as the tournament progressed.

But England will have to make do without him for their June 22 meeting with Japan – now coached by Eddie Jones – in Tokyo and two crunch Tests with the All Blacks on July 6 and 13 respectively.

It is understood that Ford’s Achilles problem is the opposite of the one that saw him suffer a serious fracture in the 2022 Premier League final.

While Borthwick is understandably disappointed to be without a Ford this summer, he does have plenty of cover in the exciting combination of the two Smiths – Marcus and Fin.

Finn Smith has had an excellent season with Northampton and was part of Saints who claimed the Premier League title with a thrilling 25-21 victory over Bath at Twickenham on Saturday.

Finn Smith made his England debut in the Six Nations, coming off the bench for substitute cameos against Italy and Scotland.

Marcus Smith (left) and Finn Smith (right) are now competing for number 10 in the matches

Harlequins’ Marcus Smith has more experience than his namesake and has also had a good campaign despite his club failing to make the play-offs at the end of the season. His thrilling late drop goal also sealed England’s fine victory over eventual Six Nations champions Ireland.

Marcus Smith was due to start England’s Six Nations campaign at number 10 before suffering a calf injury during a pre-tournament training camp in Girona.

Both Smiths will be included in Borthwick’s England squad when it is named on Monday.

Another experienced player in Saracens’ Elliot Daly will also miss the England Summer Games after the birth of his first child.

It means Borthwick’s party will likely have a youthful feel.