'Box office' Henry Pollock draws Jude Bellingham comparisons with hat-trick as England let 'shackles off' to end losing streak in Nations Championship

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Danny Care has described Henry Pollock as "the real deal" and compared the forward's growing impact to football star Jude Bellingham after his hat-trick helped end England's five-Test losing streak with a dominant victory over Fiji in Liverpool.

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Pollock came off the bench in the 48th minute at a packed-out Hill Dickinson Stadium and produced a sensational second-half display, scoring three tries as England ran in 11 in total to secure a 73-8 romp - their biggest win over Fiji.

Former England international Care, speaking to ITV, praised the Northampton Saints forward's ability to silence his doubters on the pitch.

"He really is the real deal," TNT Sports pundit Care said. "Everyone keeps trying to shut him down, and he keeps showing on the pitch, and that's the right place to do it.

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"This kid is box office, and he even did the Bellingham celebration tonight here. Let's hope we see Jude Bellingham do that again later on tonight [in the World Cup quarter-final]."

Pollock marked his third try by copying Bellingham's trademark arms-outstretched celebration, capping a performance that strengthened his claim for a prominent role in England's plans.

The 21-year-old now has six tries in 12 Test appearances, with all but one coming as a replacement, but head coach Steve Borthwick was keen to focus on the collective effort behind Pollock's impact rather than individual praise.

Pollock ran in a second-half hat-trick as England thrashed Fiji

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"You can justify it either way [starting or impacting the game]," Borthwick told BBC Sport. "There were a lot of people involved in setting up those tries.

"I know the media try to highlight individuals. I'd rather highlight the team."

England's victory was built on a sharp response after last weekend's defeat by South Africa, with the hosts showing greater attacking intent and defensive discipline.

Fiji were reduced to 14 men for the majority of the contest after scrum-half Simione Kuruvoli was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Ellis Genge.

England fly-half Fin Smith told ITV: "It has been tough and not a comfortable place to be. We flipped the narrative, playing for England is the greatest honour. We should enjoy these years.

Pollock shows his delight at the full-time whistle

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"We let the shackles off. Some better bits of attack but still clunky at times. You will never turn down scoring 11 tries."

Care described England's display as a major step forward, having avoided a sixth successive Test defeat - a run of form which would have been their worst in 20 years - as reported by the BBC.

"They have put on a clinic today on how to win a Test match against a really dangerous opposition," Care added.

"They bounced back. They've improved in every aspect of the game that they did last week in South Africa. They were clinical, they played in the right areas and when they had opportunities to score, they did.

"And they had a bit of razzle-dazzle at the end with Pollock scoring his hat-trick. So a great, great day for England and back to where they should be, back to winning ways.

"Now next week becomes massive away in Argentina. That'll be a whole different level than what today was."

Borthwick was pleased with England's response and highlighted their defensive performance against a Fiji side renowned for their attacking threat.

"It has been a difficult week, flying over from South Africa and driving up here," he said. "Great credit to our fantastic supporters.

"What really pleased me was the defensive performance. We played a Fiji team that is so dangerous with ball in hand.

"To restrict them right to the end was an impressive defensive performance. To be alive for each and every minute was pleasing."

England captain Jamie George holds a team talk after the Fiji win

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Captain Jamie George also praised the team's honesty and accountability during the week leading into the match.

Speaking to BBC Sport, George said: "It hasn't been challenging this week. We have been honest and had difficult conversations. We have made sure we have been accountable as players.

"We wanted to put on a show for the guys in the north. You don't always get what you deserve in Test matches."

England's victory also provided a memorable moment for teenage winger Noah Caluori, who marked his Test debut with a try after an outstanding breakthrough season with Saracens.

The 19-year-old took the Gallagher PREM by storm in 2025/26, scoring 18 tries during the campaign, including two five-try hauls in matches against Sale Sharks, and capped his rapid rise by crossing on his first appearance for England.

Noah Caluori imitates Chris Ashton to score a debut try for England

Image credit: Getty Images

Speaking to BBC Sport, Caluori said: "It doesn't get much better than that. The whole week has been unreal.

"All the boys have been so supportive. If I got 10 minutes or 40, I was going to be comfortable. I am hungry for more. I am not complacent."

Asked about his trademark try celebration, Caluori added: "I just do it. Chris Ashton's dive had better technique."

England will now turn their attention to next weekend's trip to Argentina, where Borthwick's side face a significantly tougher test as they look to build on a much-needed return to winning ways.

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