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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the starting position for the national team's number ten against the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half in several years.

How he fronted up through regularly completing defensive hits against an aggressive Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he demonstrated a perfect blend of finesse and control, and made some strong decisions when things didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence Coupled with Tactical Leadership

His capacity to calm the team strategically and make important decisions represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half represents England's number one playmaker and deserves to start versus the All Blacks next week.

I think the manager Steve Borthwick views it similarly as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

The experienced fly-half started the previous weekend against Australia for leadership considerations, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring continuity while acknowledging his performance from the tour to South America.

But England's showing against Fiji was a significant improvement from the performance versus the Wallabies.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy last weekend, therefore we must not get overly excited about that victory, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, proved significantly dangerous and presented a far tougher challenge.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position in his career.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as a possibility at the right time and versus suitable opponents.

He is developing in his career while beginning to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to show his distinctive qualities.

Substitute Influence

The All Blacks brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, demonstrating the significance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

That kind of presence might represent the difference separating victory the global tournament or not.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop while substituted while considering regarding ways he can make an impact when he comes on.

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

Positional Debate

If we can get Smith as such type of impactful performer, then having him among substitutes might prove valuable.

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

The All Blacks are likely to punt testing the English backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring to become a genuine asset, in defense and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

Right now, I believe Smith is a full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him there.

I want the ball in his hands as much as possible, but I believe this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final quarter.

Natural Instincts

Clearly there exist a lot of similarities between Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct decisions during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received possession during one phase within his territory appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he thought they needed to turn Fiji round as we are up on the scoreboard, so he kicked to pressure them back applying pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play that wins titles and wins World Cups.

All-round Ability

He additionally possesses composure under pressure to organise the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve to be the first receiver.

I want to see him receiving the opportunity to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford do, particularly during club level week in and week out.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically you could argue occasions existed where he didn't fully done so in the very highest-pressure games.

I think England possesses two fly-halves who can do the role, though Smith's defence combined with everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

This also indicates you don't have to adjust the defensive structure while fielding someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, rather than someone who is a little more reserved.

One might present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches decide to go, it will give New Zealand problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation against the All Blacks, where the focus concentrated solely on selecting the right player.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks and execute for a potential 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.