England head coach Steve Borthwick has placed his faith in Fraser Dingwall to provide balance and control in the midfield when his team faces Australia on Saturday. With several top-class backs competing for places, Borthwick’s decision highlights the Northampton captain’s growing influence within the national setup.
England’s backline options are deeper than ever, with the likes of Ollie Lawrence, Marcus Smith, Henry Slade, Henry Arundell, and Max Ojomoh all in contention. Yet Borthwick has chosen to build around Dingwall, describing him as the “glue” that holds the team together. The 26-year-old’s understanding of structure, communication, and positioning makes him a reliable figure in the heart of England’s attack.
Dingwall’s partnership with club teammate Tommy Freeman is another reason for optimism. The pair combined effectively during England’s record 68-14 victory over Wales in the Six Nations earlier this year, demonstrating how their natural understanding can unlock defences. With Freeman shifting to outside centre, Dingwall’s role will be to guide and support him through a potentially testing encounter against a physical Australian side.
Despite missing the summer tour due to injury, Dingwall has re-established himself through consistency and unselfish play. His focus remains on creating opportunities for others rather than chasing individual glory. “I always aim to bring out the best in the people around me,” he said this week. “If I can lift the backline and help the team, that’s success for me.”
England’s cohesion is further strengthened by the Northampton connection, with Fin Smith and Henry Pollock also expected to feature from the bench. Borthwick hopes that familiarity will translate into fluidity and precision on the field.
With aerial threats such as Freeman, Tom Roebuck, and Freddie Steward adding dimension to England’s attack, and powerful reinforcements waiting on the bench, the head coach believes his side can impose themselves on the Wallabies. His choice of Dingwall at inside centre is not just about reliability it’s about creating a balanced, intelligent midfield capable of navigating any test Australia presents.
