England searching for answers as Borthwick faces defining reset before French and Springbok test

Analysis- The mood around England national rugby union team has shifted from optimism to uncertainty in a matter of weeks. A campaign that began with confidence has turned into a search for answers, and the pressure is mounting on head coach Steve Borthwick to find them quickly.

England’s defeat to Italy national rugby union team in Rome was not simply another disappointing result in the Six Nations Championship. It exposed deeper issues in England’s structure and identity.

Under the lights at the Stadio Olimpico, Italy played with energy, clarity and belief. England, by contrast, appeared uncertain. The 23 to 18 loss followed defeats to Scotland national rugby union team and Ireland national rugby union team, leaving England facing one of their most difficult Six Nations campaigns in recent memory.

For many observers, including rugby followers in South Africa who regularly track northern hemisphere form, the concern is not simply the results. It is the absence of a clear identity.

Familiar warning signs

The situation feels reminiscent of England’s troubled 2018 championship under former coach Eddie Jones. That season ended with a fifth place finish and triggered sweeping changes before the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The similarities are difficult to ignore. England arrived at this year’s championship carrying momentum and belief after an impressive run of victories. Their opening demolition of Wales national rugby union team suggested a team ready to challenge for the title.

Since then the campaign has unravelled.

Where England once looked organised and confident, they now appear uncertain in attack and vulnerable under pressure. Individual changes have followed each defeat, yet the broader performance has remained largely unchanged.

Positions under scrutiny

Selection debates now stretch across the squad.

At full back, Freddie Steward has fallen out of the matchday squad following a difficult performance against Ireland, while Elliot Daly has filled the role without fully convincing as a long term solution. The injured George Furbank may yet reclaim the position once he returns to fitness.

The midfield also looks unsettled. The partnership of Fraser Dingwall and Seb Atkinson has struggled to recreate the cohesion seen earlier in the season, while the absence of the injured Ollie Lawrence has removed one of England’s most direct attacking weapons.

Even the fly half role remains unresolved. Neither George Ford nor Fin Smith has firmly taken control of the jersey.

Yet personnel changes alone cannot resolve the deeper issue.

Tactical uncertainty

England’s tactical approach has come under growing scrutiny. The side has relied heavily on a territorial kicking strategy, a method that can be effective when executed well.

But when that plan falters, England appear short of alternatives.

Too often the attack becomes predictable, lacking the variety and pace increasingly seen in modern Test rugby. Opponents have adapted, and England’s inability to consistently convert opportunities inside the opposition 22 has become a recurring problem.

Ironically, the blueprint for change may already exist within the English club game. Teams in Premiership Rugby have embraced faster, more expansive attacking structures.

England possess the coaching expertise to implement a similar shift. Attack coach Lee Blackett previously oversaw one of the most dynamic attacking systems at Bath Rugby, a side that consistently generated tries through width, speed and creative structure.

Allowing that philosophy greater influence at Test level may be essential if England are to rediscover their attacking edge.

A South African test awaits

For South African supporters, England’s struggles are being watched with interest.

Later this year, the Springboks will open their 2026 Test season against England on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg as part of the new Nations Championship.

The fixture will mark England’s first visit to South Africa since 2018 and represents a daunting challenge. Playing the Springboks on the Highveld has long been one of the toughest assignments in international rugby.

A defining moment for Borthwick

For Borthwick, the coming months may prove decisive.

England do not lack talent. What they lack, at present, is clarity. The next phase of this project will require bold decisions on selection, tactics and leadership.

Whether that transformation becomes a full reset or simply a recalibration remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that England are still searching for answers. And with a trip to Johannesburg looming in July, time to find them is running short.