Smith, who first donned the England jersey in 2024, quickly ascended from the bench to a starting position, showcasing his mettle with a Player of the Match performance against France. Now at 24, he’s the primary choice for England’s fly-half, despite stiff competition from seasoned pros like George Ford and the talented Marcus Smith.
"Every player wants to go to a World Cup, and to wear the 10 jersey at the World Cup is absolutely top of my goals on my list this season,"
Despite the competitive nature of their roles, Smith describes a supportive atmosphere amongst the trio. He particularly appreciates the mentorship from George Ford, who brings a wealth of experience to the team.
"Having Fordy is honestly invaluable for that dynamic because he’d probably be the most experienced and has achieved more than anyone in the England squad at the minute."
Smith highlights the supportive gestures of Ford who, upon not being selected, immediately offered to help the younger fly-halves. Ford's attitude reflects a team-first approach, ensuring that there’s no rift among players.
"He was straight over congratulating us; he was like, ‘Look, I’m gonna have a look at the scrum clips, bring you some feedback. This is what I think we should do this week. Train better than anyone that week.’"
Smith admits, however, that his influence and leadership within the England setup are not yet where they are with his club, Northampton Saints. With fewer caps under his belt, he feels his ability to command respect and influence in all aspects of the game is still developing.
"At Northampton, I probably would add in more places. I’d try and speak about the attack, but then try and speak about mindset and ways to win games at different points. But I probably haven’t been through enough in an England shirt to cover all those bases."
Smith’s humility and focus on growth are evident as he continues to hone his skills, aiming to contribute more comprehensively. He acknowledges the need to earn his stripes and the respect that comes with prolonged exposure at the international level.
"I focus on the areas that I feel comfortable in, which would be more the tactical side of things, and then let them deliver the more experienced leadership kind of side of things."
As the World Cup draws closer, it's clear Smith is not only aiming to solidify his position but also to deepen his understanding and impact within the team. His journey reflects a blend of personal ambition and collective ethos, embodying the spirit of rugby both on and off the field.
