‘We’re Determined to Push Forward’: Inside Steve Borthwick’s England Rebuild

The final whistle at Twickenham was a study in contrasts. As Ireland celebrated a hard-fought Grand Slam, the men in white trudged off, their shoulders slumped under the weight of consecutive Six Nations defeats. For England head coach Steve Borthwick, the atmosphere in the camp was one of palpable “disappointment” and “frustration”—emotions he claims to feel more acutely than any fan. In the wake of losses to Scotland and the Irish champions, the narrative is shifting from early-title optimism to a stern examination of character. Yet, from Borthwick himself comes a clear, defiant message: this is not a retreat, but a recalibration. “We’re determined to push forward,” he asserts. But what does pushing forward truly entail for an England side at a crossroads?

The Anatomy of Disappointment: Dissecting the Setbacks

To understand Borthwick’s resolve, one must first confront the scale of the setback. The defeat in Edinburgh was a classic case of what-ifs, a game of fine margins where England’s fightback fell just short. The loss to Ireland, however, was a different beast—a tactical and physical examination by the world’s number one side. While the scoreboard showed a 16-9 deficit, the underlying metrics revealed a more concerning story: struggles at the breakdown, a faltering set-piece at key moments, and an attack that generated pressure but too often lacked the clinical edge to convert.

Borthwick’s admission of personal frustration is telling. This is a coach defined by meticulous detail and preparation. The “frustration” likely stems not from a lack of effort, but from the execution gap between the training ground and the Test match arena. Key areas of concern include:

• Breakdown Battle: England were consistently second-best at the ruck against Ireland, slowing their own ball and failing to disrupt the opposition’s quick phase play.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: In the pivotal moments, especially in the opposition 22, the choice between kick, pass, or carry often seemed rushed or imprecise.
• Leadership in the Moment: With experienced heads like Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes absent, the on-field stewardship during momentum swings is still evolving.

These are not systemic failures of talent, but fixable flaws in a system still under construction. Borthwick’s challenge is to accelerate the repair job.

Borthwick’s Blueprint: Process Over Panic

Amidst the external noise, Borthwick’s public demeanour has been notably resolute and process-driven. He is not a coach given to theatrical pronouncements. His language is that of an engineer diagnosing a complex machine, not a politician seeking easy applause. This approach, while sometimes perceived as defensive, provides a crucial stability. There will be no scorched-earth policy, no wholesale abandonment of the project barely a year in.

Instead, his focus is on incremental growth and foundational strength. He has pointed to periods within both defeats—the second-half resurgence at Murrayfield, the defensive grit shown against Ireland’s relentless attack—as evidence of the team’s underlying spirit and capability. The task is to extend those passages into 80-minute performances. This means:

• Doubling down on defensive structure: Under Felix Jones, England’s defence has shown a more aggressive, blitz-oriented shape. This requires time and repetition to perfect.
• Sharpening the attacking toolkit: Maximising the talents of players like Marcus Smith, Henry Slade, and Tommy Freeman in space is a clear priority. It’s about creating more, and better, opportunities.
• Building squad depth and adaptability: The introduction of players like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and the continued integration of George Martin are investments in a more versatile and resilient squad.

For Borthwick, pushing forward is an act of faith in this process, even when the immediate results are bitter.

The Road Ahead: France and the Summer Tour Crucible

The Six Nations concludes with a monumental trip to face France in Lyon. It is the ultimate litmus test for England’s resilience. A wounded French side, itself reeling from a historic defeat in Italy, presents a volatile and dangerous challenge. For Borthwick’s men, this is no dead rubber. It is a chance to:

• Stem the tide of negativity and secure a tangible, positive result against elite opposition.
• Validate the training-ground work with a complete performance.
• Provide a springboard into the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.

That summer tour now looms larger than ever. Two Tests against the All Blacks in their own backyard represent the most severe examination imaginable. The progress—or lack thereof—made between now and then will be starkly revealed. Success won’t necessarily be measured in wins in New Zealand, but in the demonstration of a coherent, competitive, and evolving style of play. The development of a clear identity is the non-negotiable objective.

Verdict: A Defining Period for Borthwick’s England

Steve Borthwick stands at a pivotal moment in his tenure. The initial goodwill from the World Cup campaign has been eroded by the stark realities of the Six Nations. The “disappointment” he feels is a personal burden, but also a motivational tool. His determination to push forward is a refusal to be deflected by setback, a commitment to a long-term vision in a sport often ruled by short-termism.

The coming months will reveal the metal of this team and its leader. Are the current struggles the necessary growing pains of a squad shedding its old skin, or signs of a deeper limitation? The evidence suggests a team in transition, brimming with physical talent but searching for consistency and tactical clarity. Borthwick’s calm, analytical approach is either the steady hand needed to guide them through the storm, or a potential failure to inject the requisite urgency.

One thing is certain: the path forward is steep. It demands more than determination; it requires precision, adaptability, and an unshakeable collective belief. The response against France, and beyond, will write the next chapter. For Steve Borthwick and England, pushing forward is no longer just an ambition—it is an imperative.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.