Alex Coles says England’s players should take the opportunity to “fill the Maro Itoje void” as the team prepares for the next phase of the season. Speaking in the context of summer squad preparation, Coles notes that Itoje is not available and that the team also has its captain rested over the period. He frames the situation as a chance for other forwards to take on greater responsibility and make an impact. The Independent highlights Coles’s belief that players should use the opening created by Itoje’s absence to demonstrate form and consistency. Both reports focus on the same theme: England’s selection and performance needs to be backed by contributions from players who would normally expect to operate alongside Itoje in the set-up. The emphasis is on stepping up rather than criticising existing personnel, with Coles encouraging the wider group to respond to the change in leadership and personnel. The message is consistent across sources: England’s forwards are expected to rise to the challenge created by Itoje’s unavailability.