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Steve Borthwick answers the question every England fan is asking

England's head coach Steve Borthwick reacts after losing the Six Nations international rugby union match between France and England at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on March 14, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
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England delivered a performance against France in the final match of the Guinness Six Nations that had not been apparent all Championship, losing at the death 48-46.

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The visitors were given little to no chance by many heading into the match at the Stade de France, and many viewed Le Crunch as a case of damage limitations at the end of a Championship where they had only won one match.

Instead, they put in a display that had them in the lead until the final second of the match, where a long-range Thomas Ramos penalty delivered France the title.

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While it was still a poor Championship from an England side that were third in the world heading into the tournament, there were plenty of positive signs in that final display.

However, the burning question that every England fan will be asking is where was that performance all Championship? That question was levelled at England boss Steve Borthwick after the match.

Match Summary

2
Penalty Goals
1
6
Tries
7
5
Conversions
4
0
Drop Goals
0
123
Carries
117
10
Line Breaks
6
11
Turnovers Lost
12
2
Turnovers Won
4

The England boss said that the performance was a product of the team having longer in camp, but nevertheless admitted that they are “hurting”.

“Each and every game is different,” he said. “I think what you see from this Six Nations Championship is there are a lot of very good teams. A lot of tussles. The nature of it has been huge ebbs and flows from week to week, and you can look at results today, just demonstrating that. I think clearly what you do see is that as the team spends more time in camp together, the team significantly improves.

“So, we finished the tournament, I’m really proud of how the players play today, really disappoint for the players. But ultimately, we’re gutted that we went into the tournament with such high expectations and aspirations, and we’ve not been able to meet those targets.”

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Another defeat will mean questions will still linger over Borthwick’s job, but he was forthright in saying “I believe I’m the right man to lead the team forward” regardless of the result in Paris.

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3 Comments
u
unknown 45 days ago

England were far better than previous games but still lost and it shouldn’t be used to paper over the glaring cracks. England finished 5th which is unacceptable. The defence is appalling, the discipline is terrible, and the game management needs work. The performance against France came when they were under no pressure yet if you want to win things you have to perform when there’s pressure, which England haven’t done. The better balance in the back row helped but that was clearly needed games ok but was not acted upon. Borthwick’s not the man to maximise the potential of this group, he’s too slow to see the issues/solutions, too stats driven rather than having a feel for the game, and uninspiring. Wigglesworth is no defence coach and a qualified replacement must be sought. Given England have been poor at clearing out rucks, jackaling, and barely contest against opposition lineouts then not sure what value El-Abd is providing. Scrum is good so Harrison must be retained while the attack has shown potential especially with a more balanced selection so Blackett should get more time. Changes to the setup are required or England and the RFU are accepting mediocrity and under performance

T
Tom 45 days ago

Sorry. What cracks? All I see is paper.

F
Footy Franks 45 days ago

Great performance by England, Chessum , Itoje and Genge were fantastic. Best six nations series, well done to France. Brilliant games.

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