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In expert analysis, the young playmaker has shown why he deserves the starting position for the national team's number ten versus the All Blacks on Saturday.

The Northampton Saints star delivered without doubt the most impressive defensive display we have seen from an England playmaker for quite some time.

How he fronted up through regularly completing his tackles versus an aggressive Fijian team was impressive.

His tactical control proved exceptional - he demonstrated a perfect blend of skill and composure, and made some strong choices when things didn't proceed to plan during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess and Strategic Command

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

From my perspective, the young fly-half represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to start against New Zealand next week.

I think the manager the England coach sees it that way too, since Smith has proven his capability during important Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend against Australia due to captaincy reasons, with some aspect of that choice aimed at ensuring consistency while acknowledging his form from the tour of Argentina.

However, the national team's showing against Fiji represented a marked improvement compared to the display versus the Wallabies.

Australia were defeated on Italian soil last weekend, so we should avoid becoming too carried away with that win, that could 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 much more difficult test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only 23 - projecting forward 24 months, with Ford pushing him but also offering support, I believe Fin will be in a very strong position as a player.

The Harlequins star also has to be considered as a possibility at the right time and versus the right opposition.

He is developing in his career while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand brought on Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, demonstrating the importance of possessing players who can make genuine influence as substitutes.

Such type of presence can be the difference separating victory the global tournament from failure.

McKenzie watches the game unfold from the bench and thinks regarding ways to create an impact upon entering.

His choices and error rate have improved substantially from his initial career.

Role Discussion

Should we develop Smith as that kind influential player, then having him in the backfield could be valuable.

However, at the moment I don't think he represents the solution at full-back, making it a position remaining up for grabs.

New Zealand are likely to punt to challenge the English backfield, therefore it must to be impenetrable.

It is a position that needs to become a genuine asset, both defensively and in terms of the counter-attack danger.

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

I struggle to identify the advantage of playing him there.

I prefer possession in his hands as much as possible, but I believe that should be in the front line, particularly during the last 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

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

Fin has the capacity to make right decisions during tense moments - his natural reactions represent traits you can really taught.

I remember when he got possession during one phase within his territory appearing like it could be should they spread play.

However during these milliseconds he calculated they needed to turn Fiji round since England were up on the scoreboard, so he kicked it to pin the opponents and turn pressure.

This represents the type of fly-half play securing championships and wins global tournaments.

All-round Ability

He also has that calmness under pressure directing teammates nearby, and the understanding that he doesn't constantly serve as primary receiver.

I want to see him given the chance to show this at elite standards soon, just as we have seen George Ford accomplish, particularly during club level week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, where historically you could argue there have been times where he didn't fully delivered during extremely tense games.

I think England possesses playmaking options who can do the job, though Smith's defensive work on top of everything else, it makes him the better-rounded all-round player.

Tactical Setup

It also means you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have someone aggressive occupying the playmaker position, instead of someone who is somewhat passive.

You could also present compelling arguments for Ford starting and Fin Smith coming off the bench.

There are so many considerations that go on behind closed doors, but whichever way the management choose to proceed, it will give the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on picking the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose will pressure the All Blacks significantly.

Fin's ability to pick the right kick and execute enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure away from England.