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

The Northampton Saints star delivered arguably the most impressive defensive performance we have seen from an England fly-half for quite some time.

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

His game management proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, while executing several crucial choices during moments were not going as expected during the opening period.

Defensive Excellence and Strategic Command

His ability to settle the squad tactically while making big calls represents an aspect he has really nailed.

In my opinion, the young fly-half is England's number one fly-half and deserves to start versus New Zealand this weekend.

I believe head coach Steve Borthwick views it that way as well, since Smith has proven he can perform in big international games.

Squad Decisions and Competition

George Ford began last Saturday versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that decision was to provide consistency and reward his performance from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's performance against Fiji was a significant step up from the performance against Australia.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should not get too carried away with that win, which should have been more comprehensive considering how off the pace Australia performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more dangerous and presented a much more difficult challenge.

Future Prospects

Fin Smith remains just twenty-three - looking ahead two years, alongside Ford challenging him but also offering support, I think Smith will find himself in a very strong place as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be regarded as an option at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He's progressing in his career and is starting to find his feet, though he needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique attributes.

Bench Impact

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who scored the decisive try to beat the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of possessing individuals capable of creating a real impact as substitutes.

That kind of player can be the deciding factor separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold while substituted and thinks about how to create an impact upon entering.

His decision-making and error rate have enhanced substantially since his early career.

Positional Debate

If we can get Marcus as such type influential player, including him in the backfield might prove beneficial.

However, at the moment I believe he represents the solution in the number fifteen position, so that is a role remaining unclaimed.

The All Blacks will kick testing England's backfield, therefore it must remain impenetrable.

This role requiring transforming into a real strength, in defense and in terms offensive transitions danger.

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

I find it difficult to identify the benefit fielding him in that position.

I prefer possession in his hands frequently, but I believe this should occur among starters, particularly in the final quarter.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist a lot of parallels between Ford and Fin Smith.

Fin has the ability to make the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really taught.

I recall as he received the ball during one phase just inside his territory and it looked that opportunity existed should they spread play.

However during these split-seconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure them back and turn pressure.

That's the sort of fly-half play that wins championships while claiming World Cups.

Complete Package

He also has that calmness during intensity directing teammates around him, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him receiving the chance to show that at the highest standards soon, similar to the veteran accomplish, especially at domestic matches repeatedly consistently.

During the South American tour, Ford similarly excelled during challenging circumstances, where historically one might suggest occasions existed he has not quite delivered during extremely tense matches.

I believe we have playmaking options capable of performing the role, but with Fin's defensive work on top of additional qualities, it makes him the more complete versatile player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify your defensive system while fielding an assertive player occupying the playmaker channel, rather than an individual being somewhat reserved.

You could also make a strong case for Ford starting and Fin Smith entering from the bench.

There are so many factors that go on behind closed doors, however the coaches decide to go, this will present the opponents difficulties.

That has not always been the narrative against the All Blacks, where the focus was simply on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, whichever fly-half they choose can put the All Blacks significantly.

Smith's capacity selecting optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 might relieve pressure off the national team.