Can England Turn from Underperformers to Six Nations Champions?

As England prepares to kick off their Six Nations campaign against Wales, the team is riding a wave of momentum, having won their past 11 matches. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Borthwick, England's attacking prowess has transformed from a defensive, conservative approach to a more dynamic and varied style. This evolution is crucial in their quest for a first Six Nations title in six years, as they aim to leverage their newfound firepower to secure victory against Wales and beyond.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

England's current form is a testament to their attacking capabilities, which have significantly improved since Borthwick took charge. The team enters the Six Nations with a renewed focus on offensive play, which has seen them become one of the top scoring teams in international rugby. This shift comes in stark contrast to their previous struggles, where a risk-averse strategy left them trailing behind their competitors in attack metrics. Their upcoming match against Wales will serve as a litmus test for their growth and ability to perform under pressure.

Key takeaways

England has won their last 11 matches, the longest winning streak in nearly a decade.
Under Borthwick, the team has shifted from a conservative to a more ambitious attacking style.
Lee Blackett's appointment as attack coach has been pivotal in enhancing their scoring capabilities.
Key players like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Ben Earl are instrumental in their attacking strategy.
England's improved gainline success indicates a more assertive ball-carrying approach.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the past few years, England's rugby team has experienced significant fluctuations in form. Here’s a brief timeline outlining key milestones:

2021: Borthwick takes over as head coach, implementing a conservative game strategy.
2023: England begins to show promise, defeating Argentina in the World Cup group stage.
March 2024: England suffers a heavy defeat to Scotland, prompting a reassessment of their attacking style.
Summer 2024: Lee Blackett is brought in as attack coach, leading to a clean sweep in the series against Argentina.
2025: England records an unbeaten autumn series, including a significant win over New Zealand.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As England prepares to face Wales, they are dealing with injuries in the front row but still boast a strong squad featuring 11 Lions players. Their recent form and the team's newfound attacking confidence are promising signs as they aim for a successful Six Nations campaign.

What was already established

Historically, England's attacking strategy under Borthwick has been heavily reliant on conservative play, often resulting in missed opportunities. However, recent performances indicate a significant shift, with a focus on dynamic play and improved conversion rates from scoring opportunities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of the England rugby team can have a broader impact on national morale and unity, particularly in the context of major tournaments like the Six Nations. A strong performance can lead to increased interest in rugby, positively affecting local clubs and youth participation.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses, especially those in hospitality and retail, often see a boost during major sporting events. Increased viewership and attendance can drive sales and create temporary employment opportunities in venues hosting matches.

Policy and regulation

While there are no direct regulatory impacts from the team's performance, the success of national sports teams can influence government policies regarding sports funding and community programmes aimed at promoting physical activity among youths.

Numbers that matter

11: Consecutive wins, marking England's longest winning streak in nearly a decade.
43%: England's line-break conversion rate, up from 28% previously, showing a marked improvement in turning opportunities into tries.
102: The record number of tries scored by Bath under Blackett's coaching, highlighting his effectiveness in developing attacking strategies.
65%: England's gainline success rate in 2025, second only to South Africa, indicating a strong ball-carrying performance.
4.3m: Average metres gained per carry, outperforming all other Tier 1 nations, demonstrating improved offensive play.

Definitions and jargon buster

Gainline success: A metric indicating how effectively a team is at advancing past the defensive line when carrying the ball.
Line-break: A situation where a player successfully breaks through the opposition's defensive line.
Pom Squad: A nickname for England's impactful substitutes who have made significant contributions in matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As England embarks on their Six Nations campaign, they will need to maintain momentum and confidence, starting with a strong performance against Wales. Immediate focus should be on solidifying their attacking strategies and ensuring cohesion within the squad.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, England must continue to build on their attacking platform while managing player fitness and injuries. Consistency in performance will be key as they aim for success in the Six Nations and beyond.

Signals to watch

Match performance metrics, such as line-breaks and gainline success rates.
Injury reports and player fitness updates ahead of key matches.
Team selection and tactical adjustments made by Borthwick and his coaching staff.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about team updates and player fitness ahead of matches.
Support local rugby clubs and youth teams to promote the sport.
Watch matches to understand the evolving strategies and tactics of the team.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of player form and injuries on match outcomes.
Ignore the importance of fan support in boosting team morale.
Dismiss the significance of tactical adjustments and their effects on performance.

Checklist

Review match schedules and tune in for key fixtures.
Familiarise yourself with player roles and strategies.
Engage with local rugby communities and events.
Monitor team news and analysis from reputable sources.
Stay updated on the Six Nations standings and implications for the title race.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While England's recent performances are promising, there remain uncertainties regarding team injuries and the potential impact on their form. Additionally, the level of competition within the Six Nations poses a risk, as teams like France and Ireland present formidable challenges. England must continue adapting and responding to these variables to maintain their competitive edge.

Bottom line

As England approaches the Six Nations, their evolution from a conservative to a proactive attacking side may prove pivotal in their quest for success. With a strong squad and a newfound confidence, the team is poised to challenge for the title. The upcoming matches, particularly against Wales, will be crucial in determining their trajectory in the tournament.

FAQs

What has changed in England's rugby strategy recently?

England's rugby strategy has shifted from a conservative, defensive approach to a more dynamic, attacking style under coach Steve Borthwick, focusing on converting opportunities into tries.

How have injuries affected England's preparations for the Six Nations?

England faces challenges with injuries, particularly in the front row, but the squad remains strong, featuring a majority of players with international experience, which should help mitigate these issues.

What are England's chances of winning the Six Nations this year?

With their current form and improved attacking capabilities, England is considered a strong contender for the Six Nations title, especially with the confidence gained from recent victories.