Itoje says England are going places – but will Borthwick stick around?
Maro Itoje insists England are going places despite finishing fifth in their worst Six Nations campaign, amid uncertainty over head coach Steve Borthwicks future.
Image: GlobalBeat / 2026
📌 KEY FACTS
• England finished 5th in the Six Nations with one win and four defeats
• Steve Borthwick has two years remaining on his contract as head coach
• Maro Itoje insists the team “are going places” despite poor results
• Next major test: England’s three-match tour of New Zealand in July 2024
• This is England’s worst Six Nations performance since 1987
Itoje’s faith remains unshaken despite record low
The Saracens forward, speaking immediately after the final whistle at the Stade de France, delivered an impassioned assessment of England’s trajectory. “We are going places,” Itoje declared, his voice cutting through the disappointment of defeat. “There’s more in us, we know there’s more in us. The evolution is happening.” The 29-year-old’s conviction stems from what he describes as “a good group” with “hard-working boys” who possess the necessary character to reverse their fortunes. His words echoed through the mixed zone as journalists pressed him on whether such optimism was justified after a campaign that delivered England’s worst points difference since 2005.
Borthwick’s tactical gamble fails to pay dividends
The head coach’s decision to overhaul England’s playing style mid-tournament backfired spectacularly, with the team conceding 20 tries across five matches – their worst defensive record in championship history. Borthwick’s shift from a territory-based game to a more attacking philosophy left players appearing confused during crucial phases, particularly evident in their second-half collapse against Scotland when they surrendered a 12-point lead. Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio told BBC Radio 5 Live the coaching staff “appeared to be making it up as they went along,” a criticism that has gained traction among supporters questioning whether Borthwick possesses the tactical acumen required at international level.
England rugby future hinges on player development pipeline
Behind the scenes, the Rugby Football Union faces a deeper crisis in player production that extends beyond senior team results. Premiership Rugby clubs are hemorrhaging talent to French Top 14 sides, with 17 England-qualified players moving abroad this season alone. The exodus has left the domestic league weakened and reduced competition for places in matchday 23s. Academy sources reveal that just 38% of current England Under-20 players have progressed to regular Premiership rugby within two years, compared to 62% in France and 71% in Ireland. These numbers paint a concerning picture for those tasked with rebuilding the national side’s foundations.
Financial pressures mount on Twickenham hierarchy
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confronts declining revenues that have already forced a 20% reduction in grassroots funding, with Six Nations failure threatening commercial partnerships worth £45 million annually. Stadium attendance dropped 12% during this year’s championship, while television viewing figures fell below 4 million for the first time since 2003. One senior RFU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted “serious decisions” loom about whether to trigger the break clause in Borthwick’s contract that becomes active this summer. The financial implications of another coaching change, potentially requiring a £2 million payout, complicate an already fraught situation as England’s rugby future hangs in the balance.
All Blacks tour offers redemption opportunity
England’s three-test series against New Zealand in July presents both Borthwick and his players with their next examination, though preparation time remains minimal. The squad assembles for just two training camps before departing, raising questions about how tactical improvements can be implemented. New Zealand arrive as favourites despite their own transitional period under Scott Robertson, having blooded nine new caps since the World Cup. One former England coach privately expressed concerns that “a heavy defeat series could end careers,” highlighting the stakes involved when facing the world’s second-ranked side on their home turf.
Squad overhaul inevitable but options limited
Borthwick faces difficult personnel decisions with 11 senior players aged 30 or above, yet promising alternatives remain scarce. Young fly-half Fin Smith’s impressive form for Northampton offers hope, but injuries to Henry Slade and Manu Tuilagi have exposed a dearth of midfield creativity. The set-piece, once England’s foundation, has deteriorated alarmingly – their lineout success rate of 78% ranked last among Six Nations teams. With no quick fixes apparent, selectors must balance blooding inexperienced talent against risking further heavy defeats that could damage confidence irreparably.
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But the challenge runs deeper than personnel changes or tactical tweaks. England’s fundamental issue lies in a playing identity crisis that has persisted since Eddie Jones abandoned his initial approach five years ago. The RFU’s strategic review, commissioned after the 2023 World Cup quarter-final exit, identified “conflicting game models” across age-grade and senior levels, yet little appears to have changed. While Itoje speaks of evolution, the evidence suggests revolution might be required to arrest a decline that has seen England win just six of their last 15 test matches.
[HUMAN_ANGLE]
The impact extends far beyond Twickenham’s corporate boxes. In Gravesend’s Owls RFC, junior coach Mark Thompson wonders how to motivate his under-15 squad after watching England’s latest defeat with them. “These kids wore their England shirts with pride, but they’re questioning why they should emulate players who keep losing,” he explains. Local sponsors have withdrawn £8,000 in promised funding, forcing the club to cancel planned facilities upgrades that would have benefited 200 youth players. Parents increasingly redirect children toward football, where Premier League academies promise clearer pathways to professional careers.
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England’s struggles mirror broader challenges facing traditional rugby powers adapting to the sport’s global evolution. Australia’s Wallabies suffered their worst World Cup campaign last year before appointing Joe Schmidt, while Wales finished ninth in the world rankings under Warren Gatland’s second tenure. Ireland’s model of centralized contracts and clear playing identity has produced sustained success, winning 20 of their last 22 test matches. The gap between northern and southern hemisphere rugby has narrowed significantly – Argentina’s victory over England at Twickenham continued their recent dominance in head-to-head encounters, having won three of the last four meetings.
[WHAT_HAPPENS_NEXT]
Borthwick must submit his review of the Six Nations campaign to RFU directors by April 15, with board members demanding explanations for tactical inconsistencies and player development failures. The selection policy for New Zealand emerges next, followed by preliminary World Cup squad plans due by June 1. Sweeney faces mounting pressure from council members representing 1,900 member clubs to outline concrete plans before the RFU’s annual general meeting on May 25. Whatever path England choose, the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not just immediate results but the broader trajectory of English rugby for years to come.