Marcus Smith, fly-half, says he feels “lots more confident” wearing an England shirt now that he is preparing for Twickenham’s “special” autumn.
England faces Argentina, Japan and New Zealand over four weekends in November.
Smith, 23 years old, says that he has improved on and off the field from his debut 15 months back.
He stated, “It was special playing for England. It was also a great time spending a lot with boys I looked up to.”
Interview with the BBC’s Rugby Union Daily podcastSmith, who holds 13 caps, stated: “I feel more confident these days and I’m more able to talk my mind in big moments during training or in games.
“I feel that I can challenge my team-mates if I feel it is necessary. That only comes from spending quality time together on the field and getting closer.
“If I have good friends and respect others, I can have tough conversations. This is what I have worked so hard to achieve.”
Smith was first to play for England in 2021’s summer and has continued to play regularly ever since. He scored the decisive try during the third Test win over Australia in July.
Smith will now be running the England attack after Owen Farrell, Owen’s fellow playmaker, was absent from Jersey’s training camp.
“The most important thing I’ve been taught is to be myself, and to lead the way I want,” he stated.
“Having that confidence early in the week was really helpful. It allowed me to be me. I hope that it will be enough.
Smith is hopeful that Farrell will be back in the team as he recovers from concussion. Smith also hopes to resume their partnership in midfield over the next month.
“I love playing together with Owen. We have played four times together and obviously, we want to build upon that. Smith expressed his hope that Owen will soon return. Once he does, Smith added that Smith is certain that he would rip in.
“I’m thrilled to see four of the top 10 teams come to Twickenham.
“I hope I can be great at my basics. Focus on my catch/pass/run, front up in defense, make my tackles and then we’ll see what happens.”
