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March 11, 2026

Steve Borthwick’s England selection has the whiff of damage limitation

Unadventurous team will need to improve significantly on multiple fronts if they are to poop France’s potential title party in Paris

Steve Borthwick’s England selection has the whiff of damage limitation

TL;DR

  • England's team selection for the France match is characterized by a lack of adventure and a focus on damage limitation after a poor Six Nations campaign.
  • Coach Steve Borthwick has made few changes, opting for continuity with largely the same players who underperformed in previous games.
  • The selection raises questions about Borthwick's coaching strategy and whether the 'Borthball' approach is sustainable.
  • England's expected tactics involve defensive play, tactical kicking, and relying on substitutes like Marcus Smith and Henry Pollock.
  • There is criticism that England doesn't fully trust its creative players, contrasting with teams like Scotland and France.
  • The article questions the effective use of fringe players and the apparent conservatism in selection.

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