Johnson gives Borthwick hope
England rugby coach Martin Johnson has dropped a possible hint that Steve Borthwick's career in an England shirt may not be over.
Johnson has been under pressure to name England's captain ahead of the World Cup. Lewis Moody looked the most likely individual to be given the role but Johnson has since said that he will not commit to naming his captain just yet.
Borthwick was recently dropped from the England Elite Performance squad for the coming domestic season, which is used as an indication of the best players in the country. Many thought he would not be able to add to 57 international appearances but it seems that the door has been left slightly open.
There are a number of benefits for Johnson were he to re-call Borthwick after a spell of good form and name him as skipper. However, some would say this is a step in the wrong direction as the next generation of the England team looks to break through.
Borthwick benefits
Borthwick is an extremely experienced international player. He has been England's captain in the past all over the world and in some very hostile environments. He is also the captain at his club side Saracens.
This means that he would not have any problems coming straight in and taking on the role that he may believe is still his. This would eradicate the time that a new captain would take to learn about the responsibilities of being an international captain.
Many also tend to forget that he is not a bad lock. He does not score many points, in fact he's only scored ten in his England career. However, he is used to put extra weight behind the ball and to make it difficult for the opposition to break through the defence.
Johnson said: "I will not commit to (Moody being captain until the World Cup). It is very competitive. The great thing about this camp is we have got the senior 32, which was a tough call, but also the guys who did not made have all come back. There is big pressure on guys. Anyone who thinks they are comfortable in the England 32 won't be there for very long."
Moving on
There will be a few people in the rugby world who will see a move to bring back Borthwick as a step in the wrong direction. These people will want Johnson to look at rugby in a wider domestic context.
For example, Moody has just joined a new revolution in the South West with Bath. Bath are one of the favourites for the title this season and they are a side that is bound to be full of confidence. Moody should play well and the England captaincy could have the potential to make his ability explode.
Johnson added: "It doesn't get any tougher (than the conversation I had with Borthwick). You like to think people get what they deserve and he didn't get what he deserved. We had the conversation and Steve instantly said: 'I'll prove you wrong'. That is exactly what you want. He hasn't whined about it, he hasn't moaned about it."
Betting advice
You won't be able to tell if Borthwick will be back as England captain until Saracens' season has started. Back Saracens to do well this year because it's clear Borthwick will play with a very determined attitude. This will make the club side difficult to beat and break down during intense matches.
Avoid betting on him as an individual because he does not get into enough advanced positions to make you a decent return.
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