There are two words that can describe England’s Six Nations loss to Scotland: clunky and haphazard. Borthwick’s side were subpar, as they were in their previous two matches versus Italy and Wales, and paid the price for their misfiring efforts. The Calcutta Cup match-up highlighted a major issue: a faltering attack combined with ineffective defence. Whilst Borthwick has only been in the role for a year, it seems that few steps forward have been made and change is needed yet again to rediscover form to compete with the top tier nations. 

It is time for revolution, not evolution. As the 2024 Six Nations lies at the start of a new four-year-long World Cup cycle, there is no better time to create the foundations for the future. Eight players in the 23-man squad for the Scotland match were aged thirty or over, which is a considerable chunk of the side. Whilst these players do offer experience to the national team, it can be seen that they are hindering the development of those who are younger and have more to offer to the team. 

Dan Cole and Joe Marler are often seen as the two best scrummaging props in England but with both likely nearing retirement, now is the time to introduce those lower down in the pecking order. Fin Baxter and Joe Heyes were excellent for England A versus Portugal, in line with their impressive performances for their club sides. Giving them experience now in the senior team would simply serve to benefit their future and help England also. 

George Ford and Danny Care could be moved on also. Though Care should win his 100th cap for England. Arguably, George Ford is not the right man to lead this England side from flyhalf. There is a reason why he was largely second choice behind Owen Farrell when fit and his performance against Scotland was lacklustre. With aimless kicks and an inability to generate momentum, Ford’s showing was not his finest. It is clear that Borthwick was preparing to build a team around Marcus Smith instead of Ford, which does create some sympathy for the Sale Sharks man but ultimately, a player of his ability should be steering clear of these amateur mistakes. 

Part of this is due to Borthwick’s team selections for Italy and Wales. Typically, a less experienced and more youthful line-up is selected versus Italy as they are the most beatable team in the Six Nations. Borthwick missed this opportunity and went with a strong team. Borthwick’s selection appeared to be a statement of intent but ultimately, Italy were able to challenge England and raced away into the lead as they were able to break down England’s blitz defence. 

Instead, England’s issues were amplified further against Scotland and Wales because of an inability to give new talent a chance to show what they can do. With hindsight, it is easy to make this observation but with this England team in a significant period of transition, when there is a need to work out what their best squad is, a chance for the newer players would not go amiss.

Whilst changes are needed, there has to be patience from the English fans. A new system will take time to work and Borthwick will be wary of this. With the next World Cup being held in 2027, there is plenty of time to turn England’s faltering style of play into a slick and effective team. Get the young blood in and build a backbone of players in a squad that is so desperately missing one.

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