The English team’s recent outing in Italy was a clear failure. Far from achieving a decisive victory, England barely made an impression. Much like Michael Caine’s bus teetering dangerously on a precipice, coach Steve Borthwick finds himself in an equally precarious position, barely holding on, seemingly without a clear strategy to navigate his challenging circumstances. England Rugby for 2025-26 appears to have taken one step forward and several steps back, now dangerously close to plunging into disaster.
Issuing strong warnings? Already done. Implementing intense, combative training sessions? Already done. Enlisting celebrated champions, including 2003 World Cup winners and Milan-Cortina Gold medallists? Already done. Experimenting with football expertise from Thomas Tuchel? Already done. Making extensive roster changes to demonstrate seriousness? Already done.
And what has been the outcome of these efforts? The sweetness of success has turned profoundly bitter for Borthwick. The repercussions mean his job is now at risk, and his hard-won credibility is shattered. Borthwick previously engaged in a heated discussion with the esteemed commentator, Al Eykyn, after a fortunate (though successful) match in Rome, where the then-England captain insisted the performance was actually quite good. While Borthwick might believe he has encountered such pressures and criticisms before—a mix of illusion, self-deception, defensiveness, and guardedness—this current predicament is entirely different. This crisis is on another scale altogether. England has been shamed and subjected to widespread mockery.
The extent to which this perspective is unjust or patronizing towards a capable Italian team, who themselves didn’t deliver their best performance but adeptly seized crucial opportunities, is not the primary concern. Sport does not adhere to such conventions. It is not governed by logical considerations. It’s not a mere collection of statistics and figures, or purely data-driven, even though Borthwick’s overly restrictive game plans are a significant point of contention for many supporters.
No, this entire situation revolves around public perception. England has become the subject of derision in the 2026 Six Nations Championship, replacing Wales as the team receiving the harshest criticism. Again, this might seem a severe and unrelenting judgment. However, it is the prevailing sentiment, and the murmuring will not subside until something occurs to alleviate this despondency.
Borthwick may not have entirely lost the confidence of the squad yet (although that is reportedly an evolving situation), but he has certainly alienated the supporters. Not even a brief stop in Verona, where England is currently based en route to Paris, will bring any positivity to that strained relationship. In the city of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet faced an easier task trying to foster a romantic connection in a hostile environment. In many respects, Borthwick is fortunate that England’s concluding match of this unfortunate season is at the Stade de France. The prospect of boos and jeers echoing through the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham could very well have accelerated his departure.
As things stand, the upcoming fixture, “Le Crunch,” is rapidly devolving into “La Catastrophe.” Indeed, judging by the vacant expressions of his players after the final whistle at the Stadio Olimpico, England appears on the brink of being utterly broken by this ordeal.
As things stand, the upcoming fixture, “Le Crunch,” is rapidly devolving into “La Catastrophe.” Indeed, judging by the vacant expressions of his players after the final whistle at the Stadio Olimpico, England appears on the brink of being utterly broken by this ordeal. If this competition were a boxing match, the referee would have intervened last Saturday night and halted the proceedings to spare vulnerable minds and bodies further punishment. England is currently reeling and could well be counted out in Paris.
Will Borthwick be relieved of his duties? Should Borthwick be dismissed? These are the questions rugby fans are posing in pubs and clubs. This is not merely a media-driven frenzy. The fact that this situation seems absurd so soon after an impressive streak of 12 consecutive victories is not the central issue. England’s followers, many thousands of whom were present in Rome, are entitled to a thorough and honest assessment of the situation, not a hollow public relations statement about having ‘full confidence in our man.’ Anything less than an open press conference would be unacceptable.
Even victories at two of the toughest venues in international rugby – Paris and Johannesburg – would not quiet the calls for Borthwick’s removal. Nevertheless, such results would represent a positive shift, and England desperately needs that right now. There are also practical considerations at play, of course – who might replace Borthwick if he were to be dismissed? Scott Robertson? Michael Cheika? Phil Dowson? It is easy to suggest names in the discussion. It is far more challenging to justify why they might outperform Borthwick himself. And the RFU is not renowned for making quick decisions.
However, action must be taken, primarily as a public relations measure to staunch the negative momentum, which is a valid objective in itself. England’s opponents sense vulnerability, none more so than the cunning Rassie Erasmus, who never misses an opportunity. England has left itself exposed to all adversaries. These intangible issues can only be resolved by delivering strong performances on the field. England’s next two matches, against France and South Africa, will be critical.
There might still be some room for leniency. Borthwick’s coaching approach was being applauded just a few months ago. While he may never attain the revered status Rassie Erasmus holds among his dedicated Springbok supporters, or Andy Farrell as an honorary Irishman, Borthwick’s tenure has included creditable moments.
There does not yet appear to be any widespread dissent within the England camp. However, could that negativity soon begin to seep into Pennyhill Park? If it does, then Borthwick’s fate would truly be sealed. And judging by his team’s performances, they do not seem to be operating in harmony with their head coach. Once that crucial bond weakens, once that trust is compromised, the outcome is almost always unfavourable.
As it stands, there might still be a degree of latitude. Borthwick’s strategy garnered praise only a few months ago. While he may never be revered with the same intensity as an Erasmus is by his loyal Springbok followers, or an Andy Farrell as an adopted son of Irish rugby, Borthwick’s leadership has seen decent periods, which provides some residual goodwill. A devastating record defeat at the Stade de France, however, would undoubtedly alter that perception once again. Borthwick needs to confront the challenge directly and emulate Gregor Townsend as the comeback story of the 2026 Championship. Yes, the notion of grasping at straws comes to mind.
As the England players depart the remnants of their once-proud rugby status in Rome, they would be wise to reflect on their individual roles in this disastrous decline. It should bother them that they did actually perform somewhat better than they had against Scotland and Ireland, albeit starting from a considerably low baseline. Maro Itoje exhibited more intensity and involvement, securing turnovers and being a disruptive force, until the fragile state of his and his team’s current condition was exposed by a remarkably foolish yellow card. The team captain has become a disadvantage. Sam Underhill, who had played a typically robust game, also made an error. England had established a degree of control, but that was all it was. Gone. Under severe pressure. And Italy, who had professionally and adeptly maintained their position in the contest by successfully kicking their goals, capitalized on the opportunity. Bravo. No one would begrudge them their well-deserved moment of sporting triumph.
It is pointless to scrutinize potential changes to the team selection. Borthwick has already experimented with various options. The metaphor of rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic has already been employed. England requires several things in the coming days, including some emotional support as they are wounded and hurting, but please, no more strategy brainstorming sessions on how to defeat France. Simply go out there and compete with genuine effort. That is all England expects.
