Ben Earl is inspired by team-mate Jamie George (Image: Getty)
Ben Earl has extended his membership of the fan club following the former skipper’s rebound from losing the captaincy.
Hooker George was relieved of the top job at the start of the at short notice by boss Steve Borthwick in favour of Maro Itoje– then a calf injury ruled him out of the opener against Ireland.
George’s reign in 2024 contained several near-misses against top countries and he played against Scotland in the last Six Nations days after the death of his mother Jane.
But the Saracen has bounced back to have huge impacts off the bench in wins over France and Scotland and is set to win his 100th England cap against Italy next weekend.
Clubmate and backrow Earl said: “He’s been truly inspirational in terms of the hardship he’s had over the last however long.
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“Throw in not being in at the beginning of the campaign, and how tricky that must have been for him, his performance against France was nigh-on game-changing.
“He just oozes class doesn’t he? And he’s done that ever since he’s come in. I am so, so pleased for him, so pleased for his family.
“Hopefully he continues to be an idol, for myself and others, in how to carry yourself around a group and how to lead.
“You take a role away from someone like that, it doesn’t change who they are. They still lead, they still have so much knowledge to give, and it doesn’t change how he is. It’s inspirational.”
George won five out of 12 as England captain and Itoje is now two from three after defeat to Ireland and narrow victories over the French and the Irish.
Jamie George has been labelled an “icon” and “inspirational” (Image: Getty)
Slammed by former boss Eddie Jones in his book in 2019 as not being a leader Itoje, appointed Saracens captain this season, is suddenly a candidate to lead the Lions in Australia this summer.
Earl added: “Maro is an amazing speaker, he is an amazing standard setter and player and an amazing leader. He uses a number of different tools, in getting us up for the game, not that we need it.
“I’d say his jump to being England captain has been seamless because of how good a leader he has been for so long. He hasn’t changed, if anything it has brought the best out of him.”
Itoje is certain to be on the trip down under and Earl and other Englishmen like Tom Curry and prop Will Stuart have enhanced their claims in the Six Nations.
“We’re big believers that if your team does well in the tournament a good chunk of you tend to go in the summer,” said Earl. “If we all pull in that direction then we will all benefit.”