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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's fly-half against New Zealand on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star produced arguably the best defensive display observed by an English playmaker in several years.

How he fronted up by consistently making defensive hits versus a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing some strong decisions when things were not going to plan in the first half.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to settle the squad strategically while making important decisions is something he has really mastered.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's primary fly-half and he should start versus New Zealand next week.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly as well, because Fin has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday against Australia for leadership considerations, and part of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour of Argentina.

But England's showing against Fiji represented a marked step up compared to the display against Australia.

Australia lost in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited with that win, which should have been more comprehensive given how below par the Australians performed.

The Fijian team, on the other hand, were much more threatening while offering a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just 23 - looking ahead two years, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position in his career.

Marcus Smith must also be considered as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Bench Impact

The All Blacks introduced their impact player, who scored the decisive try defeating Scotland, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

Such type of player might represent the deciding factor between winning a World Cup from failure.

McKenzie watches the match unfold from the bench while considering about how to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and mistake frequency have enhanced substantially from his initial career.

Positional Debate

Should we develop Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove beneficial.

However, currently I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, so that is a role that is still unclaimed.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge England's defensive line, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack threat.

Right now, I don't think Marcus functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer the ball under his control frequently, though I think this should occur among starters, particularly during the last quarter.

Innate Qualities

There are obviously a lot of parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity to make the correct choices during tense moments - his natural reactions are not something that can be coach.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they spread play.

But in those split-seconds he thought they needed to turn the opposition since England were leading points-wise, so he kicked it to pin them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of playmaking securing titles while claiming global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he doesn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

In Argentina, Ford also stood up in difficult situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully done so during extremely tense games.

I believe England possesses playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defence combined with additional qualities, establishes him as the more complete versatile performer.

Tactical Setup

It also means there's no need to modify your defensive system while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting with Smith coming off substitution.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the management decide to go, it will give the opponents problems.

That has not always been the narrative facing New Zealand, when attention was simply on selecting the right player.

This time, either playmaker selected can put New Zealand significantly.

Smith's capacity to pick the right kick while delivering enabling possible territorial gains might relieve pressure off England.