Eddie O'Sullivan critical of England star who 'is no more a centre than I am an astronaut'

England may be still licking their wounds following their humbling defeats to Ireland and Scotland in the last two rounds of the Six Nations.

However, their attention must turn to their upcoming challenge in Rome where they will face Italy, aiming to secure a win and avoid becoming the first ever English team to lose to the Azzurri.

Steve Borthwick knows this is an important game for him as head coach, as a loss could have a detrimental impact on his future in this role for England.

In order to ensure that this does not happen to him, he has made nine changes from their defeat to Ireland. However, this decision has not impressed everyone.

Former Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan believes this is a move of desperation and believes Italy could spring a surprise this weekend.

O’Sullivan was particularly scathing about one decision regarding the selection by Borthwick as he spoke on the Indo Sport podcast.

Steve Borthwick

He said: “You put Tommy Freeman in the centre; that is the end of that conversation. Freeman is no more a centre than I am an astronaut; let’s be fair.

“He struggled there mentally, but what Borthwick likes about him is very simple.

"He is an incredibly powerful ball carrier, like a back row in the midfield.”

Could Italy make history against England?

The Azzurri have the chance to make history this weekend as they aim to win their first-ever game against England.

Italy have come close on a couple of occasions but have never managed to fully complete the task, but this year may seem like the best opportunity to finally claim a victory over the English.

The Italians have impressed so far this Six Nations as they beat Scotland before pushing Ireland right to the wire while also fighting bravely against the French juggernaut in the last round.

Tommaso Menoncello is congratulated by teammates after scoring a try during the Six Nations international rugby union match between Italy and Scotland (Getty Images)

Borthwick knows it could be curtains on his career as head coach if his side fail to beat the Italians, while it is also important to build confidence ahead of a trip to Paris to face France.

Looming in the background is a summer fixture away in South Africa. Three consecutive defeats would be a disaster for both the English fans and media, and could send them into a tailspin ahead of the World Cup in 2027.