Six Nations 2024: The challenges facing Steve Borthwick’s England
When Steve Borthwick named his team for the Six Nations — his first as England manager — he had only been in charge for four weeks. A year later, Borthwick’s feet are firmly planted under the Twickenham table after 16 Test matches, a five-month World Cup campaign and a creditable third place finish in France.
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We know a lot more about the players, Borthwick said Wednesday when announcing the new squad. With seven members of the World Cup semi-final starting XV unavailable and some never returning, it looks like the start of a new era for England, as it is for many of their rivals.
But by Borthwick’s own admission, their Six Nations form of late has not been good enough, with 40% wins in the last three championships and 50% in the last six. There is pressure on us to change the situation. There is new leadership, there may be a new style of play, and there will almost certainly be new personnel. So, what can fans expect from England international Borthwick in the coming months?
Experience Meets Fresh Talent: England’s Squad Dynamics for Six Nations 2024
While the squad has certainly been refreshed, with seven players without the cap, Borthwick is careful not to give up on experience. Dan Cole, 36, and Joe Marler, 33, will once again be England’s mainstays. Jamie George captained the team at 33, while 37-year-old scrum-half Danny Care was four matches short of a century.
But there will be new faces in England shirts this Six Nations, most likely in the back row and in the back three. While Ben Earl is expected to start at number eight after a superb World Cup, there are options on the wing for the uncapped Tom Pearson and Ethan Roots, among others.
Likewise, while Elliot Daly and Freddie Steward remain in the back three after the World Cup, at least one spot on the wing appears wide open for uncapped pair Immanuel Fahey-Waboso and Tom Roebuck, or Northampton’s Tommy Freeman, who has three matches for the national team.
“All those 36 players can play Test rugby for England, let’s be clear about that, Borthwick told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast. But do I think there is benefit to combining experiences? Yes, I really think it’s important. Do I think we will have some great young players? Absolutely”.
England’s Six Nations Game Plan Evolution: Balancing Territorial Pressure with Attacking Edge
England adopted a plan of territorial pressure and pressure on France, especially in the semi-final against South Africa. According to the World Rugby website, they scored 93% of the ball against the Springboks, which is an outstanding statistic even given the wet conditions.
However, the plan was executed almost perfectly: England’s kickers were incredibly accurate and their winger was brilliant in the air. But do England need to develop more of an attacking edge going forward, especially given the players at their disposal at the scrum?
Borthwick no doubt says the game plan will change, building on the strong foundations laid in France. There are a few things I look at [regarding the game plan], he explained.
“One is the players you have. The second part is almost the DNA of the team and understanding what has been the foundation of the team’s success in the past. And it is very clear what has been the basis of England’s success in the past.”
And the third thing is what wins the competition you’re in. In international rugby it is different from club rugby and the Six Nations is different from the World Cup. My role is to bring these things together and give players real clarity. go on the field and show all their talents, my job is to give them a real plan of action.
England’s Leadership Vacuum: George Takes the Helm in Six Nations Opener
England’s management team is also in need of an overhaul, with captain Owen Farrell and vice-captain Courtney Lawes missing. Another World Cup vice-captain, prop Ellis Genge, is ready for the first match in Italy on Saturday, February 3. Experienced Saracen George is a popular choice for captain, an impressive figure on and off the field and fully deserving of the honour.
Borthwick has encouraged him to be himself and despite the vacuum left by Farrell and Laws, the coach says he is encouraged by the way the leaders have developed over the past few months, name-checking Jenge, Care, Marler and Lock Maro Itoje on Wednesday. You can also read Four Sharks named in England Six Nations Training Squad.
There will be a different dynamic, and that dynamic will help build this team, Borthwick added. England’s draw is good again, with Italy heading out first and Wales in transition at Twickenham a week later. As in 2023, they managed to avoid tournament favorites France and Ireland until the fourth and fifth rounds.
But while there were still changes last year following the seven-year regime of Eddie Jones, this is now a solid Borthwick England team. And with many countries undergoing change after the World Cup, England, Scotland or Wales have the opportunity to break the Irish-French duopoly. Since 2020, England have never even had a prospect of a Six Nations title. Going out hunting again seems overdue.
Italy vs England, Six Nations 2024: Kick-off time
England begin their Six Nations campaign with an away trip to face Italy in Rome. Steve Borthwick will be hoping to lead England to their first Six Nations title since 2020 and will not be disappointed starting the tournament against a team they have never lost to.
When is Italy vs England?
The match will take place on Saturday, February 3, and will start at 14:15 GMT.
Where is Italy vs England?
England and Italy will meet at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The 70,000-seat stadium has been home to the Italian national team since 2012.
Who is the referee?
The match will be refereed by New Zealand native Paul Williams.
How to get tickets to Italy vs England
Information on match tickets can be found on the Eticketing.co website. Availability will vary greatly depending on which match you are hoping to get tickets for.
Six Nations: Team’s squad ahead of the 2024 campaign
Italy Six Nations Team
Forwards: Pietro Ceccarelli, Danilo Fischetti, Matteo Nocera, Luca Rizzoli, Mirco Spagnolo, Giosuè Zilocchi, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Marco Manfredi, Giacomo Nicotera, Niccolò Cannone, Edoardo Iachizzi, Federico Ruzza, Andrea Zambonin, Lorenzo Cannone, Riccardo Favretto, Alessandro Izekor, Michele Lamaro, Sebastian Negri, Ross Vintcent, Manuel Zuliani
Backs: Alessandro Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo, Stephen Varney, Tommaso Allan, Paolo Garbisi, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Federico Mori, Marco Zanon, Pierre Bruno, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane, Simone Gesi, Lorenzo Pani
England Six Nations Squad
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Alex Coles, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Theo Dan, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Heyes, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, Beno Obano, Tom Pearson, Ethan Roots, Will Stuart, Sam Underhill
Backs: Oscar Beard, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Mitchell, Tom Roebuck, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Spencer, Freddie Steward
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