Can England reclaim Six Nations glory after seven long years? Steve Borthwick certainly thinks so, and he’s daring his team—and their fans—to dream big. With Paris in their sights, England’s head coach is setting the stage for a thrilling final-round showdown against defending champions France on 14 March. But here’s where it gets controversial: Borthwick isn’t just aiming for a win—he’s envisioning a tidal wave of English supporters flooding the French capital, turning the Stade de France into a sea of white and red. Bold move? Absolutely. But is it realistic?
England enters the tournament on a high, riding an 11-match winning streak and brimming with confidence as they kick off their campaign against Wales at Twickenham on 7 February. Yet, Borthwick, who was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad that felt the electric atmosphere of Paris, knows the road to glory is anything but straightforward. And this is the part most people miss: the Six Nations title has been decided in the final round of fixtures in 17 of the last 20 tournaments. That means every step—from Wales to Scotland, Ireland, and Italy—must be executed flawlessly.
In an interview with Rugby Union Weekly, Borthwick emphasized the team’s potential and their trajectory: ‘People can see where this group is headed. The direction is clear, and the momentum is building.’ But he’s under no illusions about the challenges ahead, particularly the tactical battle against Wales. Under new coach Steve Tandy, Wales is expected to unleash a barrage of contestable box-kicks, a strategy Borthwick predicts could see up to 50 kicks in their opening clash. ‘We’re prepared for it,’ he assured, highlighting the defensive adjustments England has made to counter Wales’ high-tackle system.
Borthwick’s 36-man squad blends experience with fresh talent, including uncapped players like Vilikesa ‘Billy’ Sela, Emmanuel Iyogun, and Greg Fisilau. However, some selections have raised eyebrows. George Furbank, despite limited game time due to injuries, has been chosen over in-form teammate George Hendy. ‘It’s a tight call,’ Borthwick admitted, praising Hendy’s exceptional talent but standing by his decision. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is Borthwick prioritizing potential over current form, and could this backfire?
Beyond the pitch, Borthwick is focused on fostering a sense of unity, ensuring players sidelined by injury still feel part of the team. ‘When you’re injured, it’s easy to feel disconnected,’ he reflected, drawing on his own experiences. ‘But these players are still England players, and I want them to know they’re part of this journey.’ With the 2025 Rugby World Cup in Australia just 20 months away, this inclusive approach could be a game-changer—or a risky distraction. What do you think? Is Borthwick’s strategy visionary or overly ambitious? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
