Darkhorse for England No.10 jersey is 'is pretty close' to selection

Gloucester boss George Skivington believes Charlie Atkinson has been the “story of the season” and his form can earn him a place in the England squad despite a logjam in the battle for the No.10 position.

Fin Smith, Marcus Smith and the evergreen George Ford are currently ahead of Atkinson in the rankings but the 24-year-old’s form in the final weeks of the season has reminded everyone of the talent he possesses.

Atkinson’s control and skills helped Gloucester secure Investec Champions Cup qualification on the final weekend of the league season, beating Newcastle Red Bulls 54-21, with the outside half kicking seven out of eight conversions, and his fellow players and the Gloucester fans have voted him their Player of the Season.

Atkinson won his first England cap as a replacement for Ford on last summer’s tour in the 40-5 win over the USA Eagles in Washington and started the season at full-back before getting the No10 role at Kingsholm. This versatility could be vital in convincing Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, to take another long look at the highlights reels of the Cherry and White’s games.

Skivington acknowledges that Atkinson faces a battle to move ahead of the current England squad outside halves but insists his man warrants serious consideration, stating: “Charlie has had a great year and won every award from his team-mates, coaches and the supporters and is probably the story of the season. He has really come through this year and led well. He has really upped his game in terms of the way he is approaching it and his training away from the group situations. It’s been a great year and he deserves (the accolades).

“Charlie is pretty close (to England selection) and is on the fringe and in the discussions. There are a few good players in that position and a lot of competition but the year Charlie has had means his stock has risen. He started the season really well at full-back and we gave him his opportunity (at No.10) and he has got better and better and the things he is doing off the field, like commanding the plays, has gone up a notch.”

Atkinson plays with strapping on his right knee – not his kicking leg – as a reminder that he has come back from serious injury while at Wasps and Skivington does not believe his player has any problems, adding: “I don’t even know and it’s things from the past and he is OK. There is nothing that gets discussed with me and so I am happy.”