England head coach Steve Borthwick has urged supporters and critics alike to keep a balanced view after his side’s 42-21 loss to Ireland, warning against both excessive praise and harsh criticism. Only a fortnight earlier, England had been riding a wave of optimism after a remarkable 12-game winning streak, with many observers labeling them the best team in the world. Now, following consecutive Six Nations defeats to Scotland and Ireland, that narrative has dramatically shifted. Borthwick’s message is clear: the truth lies somewhere between the extremes.
What cannot be ignored, however, is that England’s performance levels have dipped significantly in a short space of time. After going an entire year without defeat, they have suddenly been outplayed in back-to-back matches, first at Murrayfield and then in Dublin. These results have prompted serious questions about whether their previous dominance masked deeper issues that are now being exposed at a higher level of competition.
Reassessing the 2025 Winning Run
England’s impressive winning streak in 2025 undoubtedly boosted confidence within the squad and among fans. It featured notable victories, including a standout win over New Zealand, which seemed to signal a resurgence on the international stage. Yet, even during that successful run, the coaching staff had attempted to manage expectations, aware that not every performance had been flawless.
For instance, the All Blacks’ display in that defeat was unusually flat, and their subsequent decision to part ways with head coach Scott Robertson highlighted the instability within their setup at the time. Similarly, England’s victories in Argentina came against a Pumas side that had rested several key players, reducing the level of opposition they faced. Close wins over France and Scotland in the Six Nations could easily have gone the other way, suggesting the margin between success and failure was narrower than the record alone indicated.
While England deserve credit for maintaining consistency and resilience during that period, the current Six Nations has posed sterner challenges. Against more cohesive and tactically sharp teams, the cracks that were previously overlooked have become more visible.
Aerial Dominance No Longer a Unique Edge
One of England’s most effective weapons in 2025 was their mastery of the aerial contest. Changes to the rules regarding the escorting of chasing players created opportunities, and England were quick to capitalize. Their strategy involved relentless kick chases, aggressive jumping, and smart positioning to recover loose balls deep in opposition territory. This approach often disrupted defensive structures and provided attacking platforms.
However, in the modern era of detailed analysis and rapid tactical adaptation, any advantage is short-lived. Scotland and Ireland clearly studied England’s aerial tactics and devised countermeasures. Both teams fielded stronger backfield coverage and improved their catching under pressure, while also positioning support players effectively to secure any spilled ball.
Once England’s primary tactic began to falter, they struggled to adjust. Scotland exploited space on the wings with expansive play, while Ireland targeted the middle channels with tempo, offloads, and powerful forward carries. England appeared hesitant to shift their strategy mid-game, which left them predictable and easier to contain.
Injury Setbacks Disrupt Momentum
Injuries have also played a crucial role in England’s recent downturn. Their aerial-focused game plan relies heavily on athletic and dynamic wingers, but key players have been sidelined at critical moments. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, a major threat both in the air and on the ground, suffered a hamstring injury just before the tournament opener against Wales and may not return before its conclusion.
Tom Roebuck, another wing known for his aerial strength, has only recently recovered from a broken toe. His rushed return to cover Feyi-Waboso’s absence meant he entered the tournament without adequate preparation, which ultimately contributed to his absence in the Ireland match.
Henry Arundell has been the only consistent starter on the wing, yet his strengths lie more in pace than aerial dominance. His 20-minute red card against Scotland, following an awkward collision with Kyle Steyn while contesting a high ball, proved costly and further disrupted England’s rhythm.
Fatigue Among Key Players
Another factor that may explain England’s dip in form is physical and mental fatigue. Several of their core players have carried heavy workloads over the past year. Captain Maro Itoje, for example, has been balancing personal grief alongside his on-field responsibilities, and he was substituted early during his milestone 100th cap against Ireland.
Ellis Genge appeared less influential in open play than usual, while Tom Curry, typically a driving force in England’s forward pack, had a quieter performance than expected. All three were part of the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, which added to their demanding schedule.
Although Ireland also had numerous Lions tourists in their squad, the cumulative toll of intense seasons and international commitments may be affecting England’s key players differently. Northampton’s management even noted that Tommy Freeman returned from Australia below his usual intensity and gave him time off training to recover, highlighting the broader issue of fatigue within the squad.
Coaching Changes and Tactical Evolution
England’s coaching structure has undergone frequent changes during Borthwick’s tenure. After the summer, Richard Wigglesworth took over defensive duties while Lee Blackett continued as attack coach following a successful stint in Argentina. Despite these adjustments, continuity has been limited. Wigglesworth is the fifth defence coach in less than three and a half years, following Kevin Sinfield, Felix Jones, Joe El-Abd, and Byron McGuigan.
While bringing in new expertise can be beneficial, constant reshuffling makes it difficult to establish a clear tactical identity. Even minor tactical evolutions require time for players to fully understand and execute. England’s recent performances suggest that their systems are still bedding in, particularly against top-tier opposition that operates with greater cohesion.
A Reality Check, Not a Crisis
Ultimately, England’s recent defeats should not be viewed solely as a collapse but rather as a reality check. Their winning run built confidence and momentum, but it may also have created expectations that exceeded their true level of development. Facing stronger, better-prepared opponents in the Six Nations has exposed areas that require refinement, from tactical flexibility to squad depth and player management.
Borthwick’s call for perspective reflects a longer-term vision. England are still a talented side with the foundations for success, but sustained excellence in international rugby demands adaptability, consistency, and stability. Their current struggles highlight the fine margins at elite level, where small tactical adjustments, player availability, and fatigue can significantly influence outcomes.
If England can learn from these setbacks, refine their approach, and regain physical sharpness, their recent losses could ultimately serve as a valuable stage in their evolution rather than a defining downturn.
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