As England gears up to take on France in Paris this Saturday, the team confronts the daunting possibility of enduring their poorest Six Nations performance in recent memory. This final match of the tournament could mark a significant low point for England, who have struggled to find consistency throughout the competition. Despite their recent setbacks, England’s rich rugby history suggests they still possess the capacity to stage a surprising comeback and disrupt France’s hopes of clinching the championship.
Under the stewardship of head coach Steve Borthwick, England’s rugby journey over the past three years has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. While there have been moments of promise and optimism, these have frequently been overshadowed by disappointing results, leaving fans and analysts alike uncertain about the team’s future direction. Borthwick’s tenure has been characterized by a pragmatic, statistics-driven approach that has yielded mixed outcomes on the field.
The challenges began well before the Six Nations, as England entered the 2023 Rugby World Cup on the back of a string of poor warm-up matches, including losses to Wales, Ireland, and Fiji. Expectations were muted heading into the tournament. However, England shocked many by defeating the higher-ranked Argentina 27-10 in their opening game in Marseille, despite being reduced to 14 men early on after Tom Curry received a red card in the third minute. George Ford’s precise kicking was instrumental in securing that victory.
Borthwick’s methodical game plan propelled England deep into the World Cup, where they narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a heart-stopping semi-final against eventual champions South Africa. Ultimately, England secured third place, a respectable finish that provided a glimmer of hope. Following the World Cup, England delivered a solid Six Nations campaign, but a narrow 33-31 loss to France in their final match signaled the beginning of a troubling phase.
Subsequently, England endured a harsh run of form, losing seven consecutive matches against Tier One nations, including four defeats to rugby powerhouses New Zealand and South Africa. This losing streak was finally broken with a dramatic last-minute win over France during the 2025 Six Nations, sparking an impressive 11-match winning streak. This run featured a historic home victory over New Zealand, their first since 2012, raising hopes that England could finally claim their first Six Nations title since 2020.
The current tournament began with promise as England convincingly defeated Wales, but their form quickly deteriorated. A 31-20 loss to Scotland was followed by a heavy 42-21 defeat at home to Ireland. The situation worsened with a shocking loss to Italy in Rome, where England squandered an 18-10 lead with just 20 minutes remaining, despite Italy playing with only 14 men. Should England lose again on Saturday, it would mark their first-ever four-game losing streak in the Six Nations since the competition expanded in 2000, underscoring the severity of their struggles.
Beyond the results, the manner in which England has been losing has raised serious concerns. The attacking flair that once defined their play has largely vanished, replaced by a more cautious and conservative style reminiscent of Borthwick’s early days as coach. This “kick-and-hope” strategy has not only stifled England’s offensive creativity but also failed to secure possession consistently.
Statistical analysis highlights England’s difficulties. They have kicked the ball from hand more than any other team in the tournament but have frequently failed to regain control. Additionally, England has repeatedly squandered scoring opportunities inside the opposition’s 22-metre zone, plagued by handling errors and discipline issues, including eight yellow cards throughout the competition. Defensively, the team has been vulnerable as well, missing 18 tackles in wide areas over their last three matches—significantly more than their rivals Scotland, Ireland, or France—leading directly to tries or critical breaks.
Despite mounting criticism, Borthwick remains committed to an attacking philosophy. He emphasized this week that he wants his players to embrace fast, dynamic rugby, encouraging them to move the ball swiftly and play with courage. However, translating this vision into consistent performances has proven elusive.
Looking ahead to their clash with France in Paris, England faces an uphill battle. The French side will be highly motivated, chasing the championship title on home soil. Nevertheless, given England’s unpredictable form under Borthwick, there remains a chance for a dramatic twist in the tournament’s closing chapter. Whether England can summon the resilience and skill needed to avoid setting a new low in their Six Nations history will be closely watched by rugby fans across the globe.
