Paul Grayson column: Picking Alex Mitchell is no gamble

"If you don’t try you never know and that’s what has been disappointing about England under Borthwick. They have become so one-dimensional they’re in danger of going to a World Cup and not firing a shot"

I’ve heard it said picking Alex Mitchell to start for England at the Rugby World Cup is a major gamble.

That because he is only in the squad due to injury to Jack van Poortvliet and made his full debut less than a fortnight ago, it is a reckless section by Steve Borthwick.

England come into this tournament in dreadful shape having lost six of their nine matches since Eddie Jones’ sacking.

They have no right to assume they’re even remotely favourites to beat Argentina in Marseille tonight.

Yet Mitchell’s selection at scrum-half ahead of Danny Care and Ben Youngs is a reason for optimism not dread in my view. I’ll tell you why.

At Northampton he is a catalyst for the way Saints play the game: quick, ball in hand. He tests defences with his running threat, smart service and ability to kick and dummy.

He’s probably the first English scrum-half to remind me of 2003 World Cup winner Matt Dawson.

England have been terrible because of the way they’ve been asked to play. It gives them little or no chance to ever dominate an opposition. Their game is so slow, so light on content.

Think back to how Daws played. He was a ferocious competitor, incredibly brave, instinctive and ballsy. He wanted to challenge the opposition on all fronts and was never afraid to go for it.

Without banging on about 2003 I’m not sure many scrum-halves would have the nuts to throw the dummy he did on the 10-metre line, with the World Cup teetering on the brink, and make the break to set up Jonny Wilkinson for his drop goal.

If you don’t try you never know and that’s what has been disappointing about England under Borthwick. They have become so one-dimensional they’re in danger of going to a World Cup and not firing a shot.

Mitchell has nothing like Daws’ experience but with him in the team they’re at least going to throw a few punches. He will challenge around the fringes, look to expose people and be a genuine accelerant for the team.

Yes, he is fortunate to be in France but think back to the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa which Daws played such a key role in winning. He only started due to injury to Rob Howley.

All of which guarantees nothing. England’s best game might still not be good enough to beat a Pumas side which has produced some massive performances.

My prediction is a one-score game with Argentina the more likely to edge it. If ever there was time for England to show they’re better than that, it is now.

HOW I SEE WORLD CUP PANNING OUT

This is the most open Rugby World Cup of all time, made more predictable by a draw which guarantees three of the world’s top-five cannot make the semi-finals.

I expect France to top Pool A ahead of New Zealand and play Ireland, who I take to qualify from B behind South Africa.

Eddie’s Australia can top C to set up a quarter-final with England, who I reckon will finish second in Pool D to Argentina, who will then face Wales.

Cutting to the bottom line, I see the hosts playing the holders in the final on October 28, with France winning to spark the mother of all parties.