Switch to centre 'definitely on the cards' - Freeman

• Recent in Sports
• 'This guy's mega' - how Norris developed into world title contender
• Eidevall on Arsenal exit, losing fans and move to NWSL
• Wales name teenager Andrews, but suffer Ramsey blow
• Why is Donnarumma so good at saving penalties?
• 'Boxing's not broken' - Hearn responds to White's new league

Wing player Tommy Freeman has stated that he is already working on adapting to the centre position, with a transition into midfield "certainly a possibility" for the England team.

Freeman has appeared in 19 Tests exclusively as a wing player. However, the 24-year-old often played as an outside centre for Northampton last season, even starting in that position during the Champions Cup semi-final loss to Leinster.

With Ollie Lawrence, regarded as England's primary choice at 13, sidelined due to a season-ending Achilles injury sustained during the recent victory against Italy, the England squad has missed a strong midfield runner capable of breaking the gainline since Manu Tuilagi's move to Bayonne in France in 2024.

"I've practiced in that position, and every week I ensure I'm aware of all the responsibilities involved," Freeman shared with Rugby Union Weekly.

"It is indeed a possibility. That option exists."

When asked whether he envisioned centre as a long-term position for him, Freeman responded, "not at this moment," while admitting that there are elements of centre play he finds more enjoyable compared to playing wing.

"You get many more opportunities to get involved from a closer position, and I enjoy creating moments just as much as finishing them," he noted.

Freeman is currently enjoying a prolific streak, having scored in every Six Nations match for England this year. If he manages to score again against Wales on Saturday, he will be the first English player to score tries in every round of the Six Nations.

The only player to accomplish such a feat since Italy joined the competition in 2000 is France's Philippe Bernat-Salles in 2001, though his fellow Frenchman Louis Bielle-Biarrey will also reach this milestone with a try when France faces Scotland.

The upcoming match will mark Freeman's first opportunity to compete at the Principality Stadium with the England team.

"I’ve talked to the guys about it, and I know it’s an incredible venue; the atmosphere is electric with the roof closed," he said. "I’m really looking forward to it."

In addition to striving for victory in this classic rivalry, England aims to top the Six Nations standings by the day's end.

France holds a one-point lead over England and possesses a greatly favorable points difference compared to any other teams. Ireland, sitting third, trails England by one point before their final match against Italy.

Nonetheless, Freeman asserted that aiming for a four-try bonus point wouldn't alter England's game strategy.

"I don’t think that aspect affects us as players; we understand what is within our control," he explained. "We’ll maintain an aggressive approach with the ball and run with purpose; that’s all we can do, and whatever unfolds will unfold."

Freeman also shared a unique aspect of England's training preparations, noting that head coach Steve Borthwick has requested the use of his rapping talents.

In yesterday's meeting, Steve brought up some buzzwords that had a bit of a rhythmic quality to them. He pointed this out and posed the question to us, asking, "If there were going to be a rap, who would you select to perform it?"

During my time at Saints, I once performed a rap, which led one of the guys to suggest my name. Therefore, I spent last night feeling the pressure of preparing this rap.

This morning, I created a rap focused on our collision skills. It was well-received, as I ended up critiquing everyone and then turned the critique on myself as well.