England's Star Winger Feyi-Waboso Faces Injury Doubt Ahead of Six Nations Opener
England have been handed a significant injury concern just days before their Guinness Six Nations championship begins, with explosive winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso pulling out of training with a leg issue. The 23-year-old Exeter Chiefs player, who has become one of England's most dangerous attacking threats, failed to complete Thursday's session at the squad's Bagshot training base.
Training Session Cut Short as Medical Assessment Underway
Feyi-Waboso started the training session normally but was forced to withdraw towards the end with what has been described as an unspecified leg problem. England's medical staff are currently assessing the extent of the damage, with the team's defence coach Richard Wigglesworth providing details about the incident.
"The only slight concern we have is Manny. He pulled up at the end of training, at the very end," Wigglesworth explained. "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 Saturday's match against Wales at Twickenham, experienced utility back Elliot Daly stands as 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.
The young winger missed the entire 2025 Six Nations tournament following shoulder surgery but made a triumphant return during England's summer tour against the USA. He subsequently started all four autumn international Tests, scoring memorable tries against both Fiji and Argentina. In just 13 Test appearances, Feyi-Waboso has already accumulated seven tries, with his explosive carrying and electric footwork drawing comparisons to cross-code legend Jason Robinson from assistant coach Kevin Sinfield.
Captaincy Situation and Team Leadership
England will enter Saturday's crucial Six Nations opener under the temporary leadership of Jamie George, who takes the captain's armband in place of regular skipper Maro Itoje. Itoje has been named on the bench after missing portions of England's pre-tournament training camp in Girona to attend his mother Florence's funeral.
George, who previously captained England throughout 2024 during a campaign that saw five victories from twelve Tests, expressed both surprise and delight at returning to the leadership role. "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. "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."
Match Context and Expectations
The injury concern comes as England prepare to face a Wales side experiencing significant turmoil, with bookmakers installing England as overwhelming 1/66 favourites for Saturday's encounter. Despite this lopsided expectation, George acknowledges the pressure that comes with England's current run of eleven consecutive Test victories.
"I've been around too long not to lean into being favourites. The elephant in the room - we've been in good form recently. We haven't shied away from it," George stated, while recognising that Wales have "a free swing" as underdogs in the contest.
England's backline for Saturday's match will feature Henry Arundell on the left wing, with the potential absence of Feyi-Waboso creating uncertainty about the right-wing position. The medical assessment over the next 24 hours will prove crucial in determining whether England's most dangerous attacking weapon will be available for their Six Nations campaign opener.
