Vote: Steve Borthwick to stay or go? What do England need to change after dire Six Nations campaign?
Published 16/03/2026 at 20:05 GMT
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A Six Nations that promised so much became one of agony for England fans. Steve Borthwick's side came into 2026 on an 11-match winning run, but ended the annual tournament with just one win, finishing second-bottom of the table, just above Wales. How did we get here? And what happens next? Cast your votes below on the key questions around Borthwick and England.
Healey calls for a 'more inspirational' England coach after 'not acceptable' Six Nations
Video credit: TNT Sports
When England beat Wales 48-7 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on February 7, it brought up their 12th win in a row.
Victories in that run included seeing off the likes of France, Argentina and Australia - as well as a momentous ninth win over New Zealand in the 2026 Quilter Nations Series.
The plaudits rained down on a side who head coach Steve Borthwick had purring, with set-piece prowess allied to a prolific attack, and the depth and competition within the squad leaving many fans daring to dream of the World Cup next year.
Fast-forward just over a month, and it is hard to believe how swiftly the feeling around England has changed.
Defeats to strong Scotland and Ireland sides were one thing, but losing to Italy for the first time - having led 18-10 in the second half - started to make many query the sudden downward direction of the team.
Borthwick had expressed his hope that England fans would "flood across the Channel" for what looked - at the outset of the campaign - a potential title-decider with France.
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'We aren't seeing it' - Why Ashton is 'confused' over England's Six Nations campaign
Video credit: TNT Sports
As it was, a 48-46 loss to Les Bleus on the final matchday - despite a much-improved performance - condemned England to their worst Six Nations result, and one that has seen them drop from third to sixth in the world rankings, prompting many to ask where it all went wrong.
The RFU took the step of releasing a statement following the Italy game which backed Borthwick, but pundits - including the likes of TNT Sports' Austin Healey - think the time is right for a change.
"It's not acceptable, you can't finish with one win in the Six Nations," Healey said. "Great run of 12 games [wins] on the bounce, but there are caveats in that as well.
"And I still think there's an opportunity now, there's enough time before the World Cup to put somebody else in place. I'm sure there will be a review at the RFU, they'll look at what's out there and can they make changes.
"Is it in the benefit of the team and this group, or is it time to make significant changes?
"Maybe Steve stays, maybe other coaches come in, I don't know, but something has to change because something hasn't been right through this period.
"And for me, I think there needs to be someone a little bit more inspirational in charge."
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'It's time for him to go' - Healey gives scathing Borthwick opinion after Italy humiliation
Video credit: TNT Sports
In your view, should Borthwick remain in charge following this campaign?
Vote below on the burning issues around a troubled England.
Has the noise been justified or overblown?
Criticism has been widespread for England during the Six Nations, from fans and the media.
Has it been too much, given the incredible run they went on last year? Or have the poor performances justified it?
What needs to change on the pitch?
England have faced a myriad of issues on the pitch during this Six Nations. Which underlying issues have been most to blame for their struggles?
Should Borthwick stay or go?
And finally, where do you stand on Borthwick's future?
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