Sir Clive Woodward has slammed Steve Borthwick for picking George Ford over Fin Smith as England's No 10 for their match against Italy, branding it a "huge missed opportunity".
Borthwick has gone with the experience of Ford to start as England's fly-half against Italy.
Marcus Smith was originally seen as the favourite to come in as England's number 10 with Owen Farrell stepping down from international duty after last year's World Cup.
But the 24-year-old picked up an injury in training and is unavailable for their match against Italy on Saturday.
George Ford starts for England against Italy
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Fin Smith is seen as the in-form fly-half in English rugby having impressed with Northampton alongside Alex Mitchell this season.
However, Borthwick has opted to go with the experience of Ford over the 21-year-old.
Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory in 2003, feels Borthwick has been too reserved by choosing to go with Ford.
He wrote for the Daily Mail: “If England were playing France this weekend, let alone Italy, I would still have picked Fin Smith at No 10.
"The failure to start the Northampton man in Rome is a huge missed opportunity.
“Had he been fit, I’m sure Marcus Smith would have started at fly-half for the beginning of this year’s Six Nations and rightly so. He really does deserve his chance.
“His calf injury undoubtedly put a spanner in the works for Steve Borthwick. But when the Harlequin was ruled out, it had to be his namesake Fin to step in from the off and not George Ford who is the one who will begin the match.”
Woodward added: “There is no doubt Ford is a wonderful player. He always has been and at only 30, still has a huge amount to offer in the coming years.
"But the two Smiths — Marcus and Fin — can spark the sort of unpredictable, fast, and aggressive attacking game that England badly need.
Fin Smith is set to make his debut from the bench
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“Ford is undoubtedly the safe option. But England need to let the handbrake off. If it was a risk playing Fin Smith, I could understand the decision.
"But it clearly isn’t because of his stunning form in the Premiership and Champions Cup this season.”
Fin Smith is still expected to feature against Italy and make his England debut.
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Marcus Smith has been ruled out with an injury
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Ex-England flanker Matt Kvesic believes the 21-year-old is more than ready to step in when needed.
"It is just the perfect time to get him game time," Kvesic said.
"He is 100% ready for it and someone who I think over the next few years could be a really good player for England and a staple of the team.
"Fin needs the opportunity at international rugby. He is one of those players - and it sounds silly - but international rugby will almost suit him more."