England fans believe Steve Borthwick must do 'honourable thing' after Six Nations defeat to Ireland

England have suffered a heavy defeat to Ireland today in the Six Nations, which has effectively ended any chances they have of lifting the trophy in March.

Steve Borthwick’s side entered the competition off the back of 11 straight wins before making it 12 when they beat Wales in the opening round of this year’s Six Nations.

The English media and fanbase had high hopes coming into this competition, believing that they would be set for a Grand Slam showdown with France in the final game.

However, things have not panned out this way after they suffered two humbling defeats to the Celtic nation of Scotland in the Calcutta Cup before Ireland came to Twickenham and put them to the sword.

Now, there are serious questions around the future of Borthwick at the head of this England team, with the World Cup edging ever closer, with winning this being their ultimate goal.

Fans have made their feelings about the future of the English head coach known across social media.

One said: “Borthwick has to go. Utterly awful.”

Another added: “Borthwick's got to go. Any half-decent coach would be beating this bang average Ireland team with the pool of talent England have.”

This appears to be the overwhelming sentiment among fans towards Borthwick, as they believe the talent of this English side is being wasted in this tactical approach.

As one fan wrote: “Question have to be asked about England’s management, selection and coaching. Not winning 6 Nations for 6 years and looking bereft of a plan, structure and ideas. Borthwick has to go for me. Get someone new in now.”

Two embarrassing, dreadful defeats for @EnglandRugby Probably the worst England Rugby team I've seen. Can't execute even the basics...catching & passing! Borthwick must to the honourable thing & offer his resignation. Surely. It would be the best thing for the nation's team...no?

— Gary Webster (@RealGaryWebster) February 21, 2026

There seems to be a feeling that the majority of fans will not get their wish of seeing Borthwick replaced sooner rather than later, with the understanding being that he will be in charge until the end of their World Cup campaign.

Borthwick may still believe in his approach and be confident he can get it right for Australia in 2027, but time will tell if this turns out to be correct.

All that is for certain is that he got this game completely wrong, and he seemed to admit this within the first half as he made two tactical changes, with Freddie Steward and Luke Cowan-Dickie being replaced by Marcus Smith and Jamie George, respectively.

England will be able to regroup with no fixture next weekend before they face Italy, and Borthwick will be desperate to not be the first ever English head coach to suffer defeat to the Azzurri in the Six Nations; however, with the performances of both nations so far in the competition, stranger things have happened.