'People are going to be calling for him' - Ben Kay says pressure will be on Steve Borthwick if England lose to France

The pressure is ramping up on England head coach Steve Borthwick after his men fell to a sixth defeat in seven games, in their opening Six Nations match against Ireland. England now face a home clash with France, and TNT Sports expert Ben Kay believes the pressure will increase further if Borthwick can't get a result. France are among the championship favourites after a 43-0 triumph over Wales.

TNT Sports expert Ben Kay believes some fans will call for Steve Borthwick to leave his post if England fail to beat France and Scotland in their next two Six Nations matches.

Borthwick's side fell to a 27-22 loss away at defending champions Ireland in their opener last week, and now need to defeat Les Bleus to keep any realistic hope of winning 'Rugby's Greatest Championship' alive.

Last week's result in Dublin means England extended their disastrous run to six losses in seven games, with their only victory coming at home against Japan.

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Kay believes that some fans may even lose faith in Borthwick as England head coach if his side fails to get a win in their next two matches.

"I said after the game last week to someone that England could play okay and France could get it 100% right and score 60 points," Kay said.

"We saw 43 unanswered points against a Wales side that defended really well last week, and it put so much pressure on Steve Borthwick.

"If they lose that [game against France], and then Scotland, people are going to be calling for him, if he loses those three games. So it is a massive, massive game for England and the team.

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"I feel really lacking in confidence going to Twickenham, but the last time I felt like this was this time last year going to see England play against Ireland, and then we pulled out a victory.

"I'm not that hopeful, so I am going to go with France."

England stunned Ireland with a 23-22 victory in the final game of last season's Six Nations at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

France stormed to a dominant 43-0 win over Wales in the opening game of their 2025 Six Nations campaign.

Les Bleus beat Borthwick's side 33-31 in last year's Championship at Groupama Stadium in Lyon.

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Fellow TNT Sports expert Emily Scarratt believes this is a huge opportunity for England to prove that they are heading in the right direction under Borthwick.

"It is a massive game, obviously," she added.

"I think it is a massive game for England to show that they can do something, to prove that they are developing and that they are taking steps forward on both sides of the ball.

"But ultimately, that France side is so good, and they were probably not all at it last week either."

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