X-Factor Henry Arundel leads England’s line-up against Fiji

England have now won nine matches in a row – the last time they enjoyed a longer run was an 18-match run from 2015-17 during which they won their last Grand Slam.

Having lost so many Tests by good margins in the final quarter of last year, England’s strength and depth are now on display.

Finn Smith returned at fly-half against Fiji with namesake Marcus Smith, another Lions tourist and fly-half, at full-back in a much-changed side.

Both Smiths needed to seize their opportunity with George Ford still believed to be the front-runner to start at fly-half against the All Blacks and Freddie Steward set to return from injury to compete for the full-back position.

Finn Smith, who admitted he was disappointed with his form on the Lions tour, controlled the attack well and played the full 80 minutes to prove he can get through difficult moments in matches.

Marcus Smith’s vision to find the opening helped Arundel achieve their moment of glory, as he used his powerful kicks in behind Fiji on a regular basis to good effect, but doubts remain about his quality at full-back.

“This team has had some criticism in tough games, certainly under me as captain [in 2024]George told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“We had composure and clarity in the rally where I thought Finn Smith was driving really well.

“When you bring in the likes of Tom Curry and Maro, that kind of experience in the huddle is invaluable.

“It’s all been part of the process. We’re still in the early part of the curve of becoming the team we want to be.”

He added: “We have an ultimate goal of winning the World Cup, but at the same time we realize that we need to be a much better team in order to achieve that.”

Next Saturday, Borthwick’s team will face the dangerous New Zealand team, to whom it narrowly lost three times in 2024.

Scott Robertson’s side also used their bench to beat Scotland late on after substitute Damian McKenzie’s score proved crucial.

“We’re looking forward to it. I can’t wait,” said Ellis Genge, who captained England for the third time before Itoje arrived as a substitute.

“It will be a battle of attrition. In years past they were known for throwing the ball but they have some big physical masses now, so we will enjoy that.”