The in-form England hopeful that has to ‘be close to starting’ the Six Nations

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Former England winger Chris Ashton has backed Northampton Saints star Tommy Freeman to be in the starting lineup for England during the Six Nations.

Freeman has been a standout in what has been a stellar season for Northampton Saints, who sealed their passage to the last 16 of the Champions Cup on Friday evening.

That came after a comprehensive 61-14 victory over Bayonne at Franklin’s Gardens, while Phil Dowson’s side also entered the European break at the top of the Premiership table.

Freeman pushing for England selection

The 22-year-old was named man of the match in the victory over Bayonne, kickstarting Saints‘ onslaught dotting down after just 64 seconds.

He has also shown off his versatility this season, featuring at fullback, centre and on the wing and has now been backed by Ashton to not only crack Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad named next week but feature in the starting XV.

“I don’t know what Tommy Freeman has got to do to get into this England team in the next few weeks, but he’s got to be close,” TNT Sports pundit Ashton said at half-time when Northampton led 42-0

“He’s running strong, he looks fast, he looks quick, he looks enthused.

“He got a highlight reel in the first half. All his touches, he is popping up everywhere. He’s chasing kicks down, making tackles, chasing people back, he’s done it all, and he’s been playing like this all season, to be honest.

“This isn’t a standout performance; this has become almost normal for Tommy that we see him play like this.

“He’s got to be close to be starting if he continues like this until he gets to the Six Nations.”

Reaction

Ashton is not alone in his opinion as onlookers reacted in a similar fashion to Freeman’s showing against Bayonne.

“Tommy Freeman is, quite simply, the real deal,” one fan remarked on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Tight Five Rugby added: “If Tommy Freeman isn’t in a white shirt in February, we riot.”

Another fan didn’t mind what position the youngster plays in for England, just that he had to start: “Centre or wing, Tommy Freeman has to start for England!! What a player!”

Freeman did earn his Test debut for England back in 2021 under former head coach Eddie Jones but failed to crack the nod for Bortwhick’s Rugby World Cup squad last season.

He is once again in the selection frame after scoring five tries and assisting a further two for Northampton in his 12 appearances this season.