Despite initial hopes of a post-World Cup reset, England is facing the prospect of continued Six Nations stagnation following a stark wake-up call against Scotland. A defeat against champions Ireland next month, coupled with a loss to France, would result in England finishing the tournament with two wins and three defeats for the fourth consecutive year.
England’s third-place finish in the previous World Cup raised expectations, but their recent 30-21 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield has prompted concerns about the team’s performance. Since Steve Borthwick took over as coach in December 2022, England has yet to beat a team ranked above them and has not scored more than two tries in a game.
The defeat against Scotland marked England’s fourth successive loss to their rivals, the first time since 1896. Borthwick, in pleading for patience, is facing a familiar refrain reminiscent of the latter stages of Eddie Jones’s reign.
Despite referencing his “new side,” a significant portion of England’s matchday squad against Scotland was aged 29 or over. Borthwick faces a dilemma of whether to stick with experienced players or introduce younger talents for the upcoming fixtures against tough opponents like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
The defeat against Scotland has prompted a reassessment of England’s situation, with Borthwick acknowledging the need to address the team’s performance after the initial 20 minutes of the match. The coach emphasizes the inevitability of “bumps in the road” as the team undergoes development.
The upcoming matches against formidable opponents in 2024 pose additional challenges for England, and the coaching staff must decide on a strategy to navigate through the current difficulties. The discussions surrounding potential changes and the team’s long-term development will play a crucial role in determining England’s trajectory in the Six Nations and beyond.
