Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union, England, Ireland
England were on the end of a humbling defeat thanks to Ireland on Saturday, with Andy Farrell’s side securing a 42-21 win in Twickenham.
Steve Borthwick’s side now have a mountain to climb and hope for a miracle to be crowned Six Nations champions this year, extending their wait to get their hands on the trophy to at least seven years.
There was an expectation that England would square off with France in the final game of the competition for the Grand Slam, but they have been left shellshocked after significant defeats to Scotland and Ireland.
Questions will now need to be answered by Borthwick and his side next time out against Italy as they continue to work towards the World Cup in 2027.
England legend Jonny Wilkinson was critical of their performance, and has raised a concern that the team may face now moving forward in both this Six Nations campaign and for their World Cup preparations.
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The World Cup winner said after the match on ITV: “Maybe before the tournament you’re looking, planning your route – not that anyone looks too far ahead – but now you’re going, 'What does this game mean?’.
“We said after the Scotland game, this game looks a bit different – now after both these games, that Italy game looks different.
“I think maybe there is a danger teams are starting to look and think England are susceptible. There’s no doubt England have the talent in that squad, but if you don’t have that ruthlessness underneath, teams have a lot of fun against you – they feel when you walk on the pitch, ‘Is it quite there?'"
Borthwick appears to be under serious pressure, as fans have called for him to leave his role as head coach; however, this is unlikely to happen.
The former England captain does expect there to be significant changes to the team, with several players set to be dropped - and fans have pointed towards one of those needing to face the axe being George Ford.
On ITV, ex-England star Chris Robshaw said: “They need to take ownership because as much as the coach can prepare the players, they need to step up, analyse themselves and be really critical.
“Unfortunately, we may see more heads on the block on the back of that, and it’s not a nice place to be when that happens.”
