Steve Borthwick addressed the media at Twickenham, unveiling a 36-man training squad for the upcoming 2026 Six Nations championship. The England head coach expressed genuine excitement about his team's potential, as they prepare for their opening match against Wales.
Red Arrows Inspiration Fuels England's Ambitions
Borthwick revealed that he and his coaching staff spent a day with the Red Arrows last month, drawing parallels between the elite air display team and his rugby squad. He was particularly impressed by their clarity and focus on continuous improvement. "They were so clear and to the point about what they must do better," Borthwick noted, emphasising how the Red Arrows select personnel based on character, a principle he aims to mirror in his team selection.
Competitive Squad Dynamics Amid Injury Setbacks
The 36-man squad highlights growing competition for starting places, following 11 consecutive Test wins. However, England face challenges in the front row due to injuries, leading to the inclusion of young talents like 20-year-old Billy Sela from Bath, alongside Trevor Davison and Manny Iyogun from Northampton. Key players such as Fin Smith and Ollie Lawrence will begin their rehabilitation in Girona, adding to the selection complexities.
Borthwick acknowledged the need for experienced players like Jamie George, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and Ellis Genge to step up in the absence of injured forwards Will Stuart and Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Maro Itoje will miss the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh due to family commitments, with George deputising in his place.
Backline Options and Strategic Decisions
In the midfield and back three, numerous contenders are vying for spots against Wales. Tommy Freeman is likely to remain at centre, with Fraser Dingwall potentially inside him, unless Max Ojomoh or Seb Atkinson make a strong case in training. The wings could feature Manny Feyi-Waboso and either Cadan Murley or Henry Arundell, while Freddie Steward is favoured at full-back, though George Furbank's return from injury adds competition.
Borthwick praised Furbank's decision-making and versatility, noting his ability to cover the fly-half position if needed. For the initial rounds, Marcus Smith, Elliot Daly, or Henry Slade may offer bench versatility to enhance squad depth.
Youth and Experience Blend in Forward Pack
Among the younger players, Billy Sela has been tracked by Borthwick for three years and is seen as a future star, coincidentally sharing a school background with scrum coach Tom Harrison. In the back row, Greg Fisilau of Exeter has edged ahead of other contenders like Emeka Ilione and Alex Dombrandt for the No 8 position.
Final Preparations and High Expectations
With one more weekend of Premiership games to navigate, England's management is focused on finalising the right mix for the Wales clash. Borthwick reflected on the surprise departure of Scott Robertson as All Blacks coach but emphasised that the time for contemplation is over. Inspired by the Red Arrows' ethos, he stressed the importance of not resting on laurels and striving for excellence.
Borthwick boldly speculated about England supporters flocking to Paris for the tournament's final weekend, underscoring his belief in the team's potential. "I think this team has the potential to be an outstanding team," he reiterated, highlighting the momentum building ahead of the Six Nations opener.
