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Home » Fitness » England to make 11th-hour call on Owen Farrell’s fitness to face Scotland – The Guardian

Owen Farrell did not train properly on Friday but did take part in some technique-based kicking practice. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

England will take a decision on the fitness of Owen Farrell on Saturday morning before Englands 4pm Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland at Twickenham.

Farrell missed the eve-of-match captains run because of an unspecified leg injury incurred during training on Thursday and will be given the next 24 hours to demonstrate he is ready for the Triple Crown decider.

Owen didnt train today and were monitoring his leg injury, said the defence coach, Paul Gustard. We have until tomorrow before kick-off to make a decision, which means he has at least another 24 hours of recovery ahead of him. Well make a call as and when we know more.

England have decided against calling in anyone as cover, instead relying on the 24 players retained for the penultimate round of the Six Nations.

The most likely contingency would see Ben Teo promoted from the bench to fill the void at inside centre and Jonny May, who is currently acting as 24th man, stepping on to the replacements bench.

However, if fly-half George Ford were to be struck by injury, the lack of cover in the position would leave England exposed. Were not bringing anyone in. Were obviously very happy with Ben in the squad. We have Jonny May with us at the moment as 24th man, so we have some flexibility as cover, Gustard said. Were really confident [with our options if Farrell misses out]. Were very happy with the squad that weve got and the 24 that we chose for this game. Whatever combination we end up with at 10, 12, 13, were happy.

Concern over Farrells fitness has escalated since Eddie Jones gave conflicting answers on Thursday about his availability to face Scotland. Jones joked that the Saracens playmaker initially sustained the injury the details of which England will not divulge during a collision with his dog Annie during the final training session of the week at the squads Surrey base.

When asked for an update on Farrell, a spiky Jones offered contrary messages. Owen could be a doubt, he could be a doubt. Hes got a bad leg, so he couldnt finish training. Hell be all right, Jones said.

Farrell was expected to be given the green light, but his inability to take part in the session at Twickenham on Friday has set alarm bells ringing.

Alongside Ford and Mike Brown, Farrell was involved in kicking practice overseen by Jonny Wilkinson but would only rehearse technique rather than actually putting boot to ball.

England are sure to give Farrell, who has emerged as their most important player under Jones, every opportunity to demonstrate his fitness for a match that could deliver a record-equalling 18th successive Test victory. Only New Zealand have previously amassed that number of wins, setting the milestone last year.

England are the Six Nations solitary unbeaten team, keeping them on course for a successful defence of the Grand Slam, and they could also retain their title if Scotland are toppled, yet they have not played to their potential so far in the tournament.

Weve done a lot of good stuff. In the last two weeks, not to sound too much like a broken record, but weve focused on ourselves a lot. Were looking to improve, Gustard said. We have objectives that were looking for and I think were in a good place. The mood is exceptional.

The boys are in a good place, theyre happy and excited to play for their country. Everyone is looking forward to playing Scotland.

Scotland have got some good players, but then every team does. Were trying to focus on our own principles and philosophies.

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England to make 11th-hour call on Owen Farrell's fitness to face Scotland - The Guardian

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Home » Fitness » England to make 11th-hour call on Owen Farrell’s fitness to face Scotland – The Guardian