The Six Nations 2026 tournament is fast approaching, and England's coach, Steve Borthwick, faces a challenging task in preparing his team for success. With a focus on key areas, Borthwick has the opportunity to revitalize England's performance and challenge for the title.
One area of concern is the backline, where Marcus Smith's versatility and skill set are underutilized. Smith, a natural fly-half, has been redeployed as a full-back or utility bench option, which has impacted his performance. His running ability and kicking prowess, particularly in finding his wings with well-weighted bombs, are notable strengths. However, doubts persist about his ability to balance his natural flair with game management, despite a shrewd display in Harlequins' win over Saracens.
To address this, Borthwick should consider pairing Smith with a hard-running physical centre, such as Andre Esterhuizen, who was key to Harlequins' success in 2021. This combination would enhance Smith's performance and provide a more balanced attack.
In the forward pack, England's ball-carrying duties were imbalanced in the recent defeat by Italy. Ben Earl and Jamie George dominated, while others struggled to contribute significantly. With Tom Willis, Earl and George's Saracens teammate, now out of the England scene, Borthwick has an opportunity to introduce heavier-duty operators like Ollie Chessum and Chandler Cunningham-South. These players, with their athleticism and explosiveness, could take on more ball-carrying responsibilities, allowing Earl to drift into dangerous wider areas.
The second-row pairing of Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard in France's pack showcases a wider arsenal of high-class carriers. England has the personnel to follow suit, with Maro Itoje, Alex Coles, and Courtney Lawes forming a strong foundation. However, Itoje's recent form and workload concerns raise questions about his sustainability. An enforced week off could benefit Itoje and the team, providing a chance for recovery and strategic planning.
On-pitch leadership is another critical aspect. Borthwick's decision to delay replacements against Italy due to concerns over on-pitch leadership highlights the need to strengthen and empower other senior figures. Earl or Ellis Genge might relish the role of captain, and Borthwick should consider this as part of his in-tray.
In terms of coaching, Borthwick has brought in Lee Blackett as an attack coach, recognizing his ability to coach fast, exciting rugby that consistently looks to score tries. Blackett's temporary stint on the summer tour of Argentina and his success at Bath, where he coaxed 96 regular-season tries, demonstrate his effectiveness. However, England has misplaced its cutting edge, with only 14 tries and a clutch of wasted opportunities this season.
To reshape the gameplan, Borthwick can consult with Blackett and Richard Wigglesworth, who guided England to a stellar 2025 Six Nations campaign. A shift in attack, emphasizing England's talent and reducing dependency on the bounce of a tapped-back ball, could be timely. This approach would allow England to play a more dynamic and exciting brand of rugby.
In conclusion, Steve Borthwick has the challenge of revitalizing England's performance and challenging for the Six Nations title. By addressing key areas, including backline balance, forward pack responsibilities, on-pitch leadership, and coaching strategies, Borthwick can create a more cohesive and competitive team. With careful planning and strategic adjustments, England has the potential to regain its cutting edge and compete at the highest level.
