Six Nations 2025: Steve Borthwick backs England to put disappointing 2024 behind them, 'aiming to win every game'
By Lewis Mason
Published 16/01/2025 at 20:02 GMT
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England begin their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in Dublin on February 1, as they aim to put a poor 2024 behind them. Steve Borthwick's side suffered seven defeats during a difficult spell for the team last year. Maro Itoje replaces Jamie George as captain of the side for the Championship, with George named as one of two vice-captains along with Ellis Genge.
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Despite an underwhelming 2024, England head coach Steve Borthwick is convinced his team can achieve success by playing an entertaining brand of rugby during this year’s Six Nations.
Borthwick’s side suffered seven defeats last year, and they have enjoyed just two wins in their last eight matches - both coming against Japan.
Home supporters at Allianz Stadium have been known to make their feelings heard in recent years when things have not gone in England’s favour, so England will need to be ready for the 'boo boys' should there be further disappointment.
But Borthwick is attacking the Championship - which they begin against Ireland in Dublin - with a wave of positivity.
"At this point before the start of the tournament why would we not be going into every game aiming to win every game?" Borthwick told BBC Sport.
"It's what every England supporter would expect of me and the players, and it's what we expect of ourselves.
Borthwick has also revealed he is under no pressure from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) - with no specific targets being set for him to achieve during the Six Nations.
"Ever since I have come into this role two years ago, I have had nothing but support from the RFU about what we want to do.
"Our focus is about the Six Nations that is coming up, and how we get the performances and results we want to get," he said.
Borthwick has made a major change in the build-up to the tournament, with Maro Itoje named as the new captain of the team.
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Maro Itoje has been named as the new England captain
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Jamie George - who has led the side since the 2023 World Cup - will be a vice-captain along with Ellis Genge.
Two uncapped players feature in Borthwick’s training group, with Harlequins duo Oscar Beard and Cadan Murley hoping for the chance to represent their country for the first time.
Speaking about what he wants his side to produce in their upcoming fixtures, Borthwick said: "This is a team that has evolved over this last year and has continued to evolve.
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"I sense what the England supporters want to see is the England team continuing to move the ball and play with pace, because that is what gets them out of their seats," he said.
Following their opener against Ireland, England will face France (February 8), Scotland (February 22) and Italy (March 9), all at Allianz Stadium.
Their final match of the competition will see them travel to Cardiff to face Wales on March 15.
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