England's Six Nations Opener Hit by Injury Scare to Star Winger Feyi-Waboso
England have been handed a significant injury scare just 48 hours before their Six Nations Championship opener against Wales, with explosive winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso suddenly becoming a major doubt for Saturday's crucial Twickenham showdown.
Training Session Withdrawal Sparks Concern
The 23-year-old rising star, who has established himself as one of England's most dangerous attacking threats, pulled out of Thursday's training session at the squad's Bagshot base with an unspecified leg issue. Feyi-Waboso had participated in most of the session but withdrew during the final moments, leaving medical staff to assess the extent of the damage.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed the concern, stating: "The only slight concern we have is Manny. He pulled up at the end of training, at the very end. His leg's sore, there was nothing specific and he walked off. There was nothing much to it, but he did miss the last 60 seconds of training so we're waiting to investigate that a little bit more."
Potential Replacement and Recent Form
Should Feyi-Waboso be ruled out of the Wales encounter, versatile and experienced campaigner Elliot Daly would be the most likely replacement on the right wing. This would represent a significant blow to England's attacking plans, given Feyi-Waboso's remarkable recent form and growing importance to the team.
The young winger, whose explosive carrying and electric footwork have drawn comparisons with cross-code great Jason Robinson from assistant coach Kevin Sinfield, has been in outstanding form. After missing the 2025 Six Nations due to shoulder surgery, Feyi-Waboso made a successful comeback during the summer tour against the USA and then started all four autumn Tests, scoring tries against both Fiji and Argentina.
With seven tries in just 13 Test appearances, his running threat has made him one of the first names on the teamsheet, forming a potent wing partnership with Henry Arundell, who starts on the left side for Saturday's match.
Captaincy Situation and Welsh Challenge
England will be led into the Twickenham encounter by Jamie George, who deputises for regular captain Maro Itoje. Itoje has been named on the bench after missing part of the pre-tournament training camp in Girona to attend his mother Florence's funeral.
George, who captained England throughout 2024 during a campaign that saw five wins from twelve Tests including three narrow defeats to New Zealand, expressed his delight at returning to the leadership role, albeit temporarily. "Brilliant and unexpected. I didn't ever see that happening again after our tour to Argentina in the summer," said George, who has announced he will retire after the 2027 World Cup.
The hooker added: "It's a privilege. I love this job, it's the best thing in the world being able to do this. It's for one week and one week only so I'm making the most of it. Maro's the captain of this team. It's his team and he's doing an unbelievable job, so I feel responsibility, as you should, to make sure you get it right."
Favourites Tag and Welsh Underdog Status
England enter the match as overwhelming favourites, with bookmakers offering odds of 1/66 for a home victory against a crisis-hit Welsh side. George acknowledged that Wales have a "free swing" as underdogs but insisted his team are embracing the expectation generated by their current run of 11 successive Test victories.
"I've been around too long not to lean into being favourites," George added. "The elephant in the room – we've been in good form recently. We haven't shied away from it."
The potential absence of Feyi-Waboso represents the most significant disruption to England's preparations for what should be a straightforward opening fixture. Medical assessments throughout Friday will determine whether the young winger can recover in time to face Wales or whether Daly will be called upon to fill the void on the right flank.
