England Build Unbeatable Momentum Ahead of Gruelling Six Nations
Steve Borthwick's England squad heads into the new year carrying formidable momentum, having secured 11 consecutive victories following their latest win against Argentina. The team's impressive form establishes them as the clear favourites for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, where challenging away fixtures at Murrayfield and the Stade de France will truly test their championship credentials.
Managing Success and Rising Expectations
With this sustained winning run comes increased pressure. The England camp, led by the pragmatic Borthwick, remains focused on performance rather than record-chasing, despite the tantalising possibility of eventually equalling the national record of 18 straight wins. This disciplined approach was evident during the Argentina match, where strategic decisions, like opting for a lineout instead of a straightforward penalty kick, demonstrated a drive to maintain intensity and engage supporters, even with a comfortable lead.
The narrow finish against the Pumas served as a timely reminder of the fine margins in Test rugby and tempered any premature celebrations. It highlighted that while progress is undeniable, a significant gap still exists between England and world champions South Africa.
Squad Depth and Coaching Stability Fuel Progress
Significant strides have been made in developing squad depth, a crucial factor for long-term success. The ability to bring a player of Tom Curry's calibre off the bench is a luxury that strikes fear into opponents and underscores the team's improved resources. Borthwick has utilised 53 players in 2025, yet notably handed out no new caps during the recent autumn internationals—the first time since 2000—indicating a settled squad focused on cohesive development.
The coaching setup, once turbulent, has found stability. The appointments of Lee Blackett in attack and Richard Wigglesworth in defence have proven seamless, while the arrival of Phil Morrow as head of team performance has been pivotal. Key areas like the scrum have consistently improved, accelerated by the developmental summer tour of Argentina which fast-tracked props like Joe Heyes and Fin Baxter.
The decision to appoint Maro Itoje as captain has paid dividends, and the management of post-Lions tour fatigue this autumn was handled expertly, with most returning stars reintroduced from the bench.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Managing heightened expectation is paramount, as is developing a robust Plan B for when their primary game plan is neutralised—a test they largely avoided this autumn but will certainly face in the Six Nations. Furthermore, Borthwick faces the delicate task of keeping a large, talented squad content, particularly managing the roles of fly-halves like Marcus Smith and Fin Smith.
As Borthwick and his team decompress before a warm-up camp in Girona, the focus is squarely on the Six Nations opener against Wales. While the coach refuses to look too far ahead, a July trip to face the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg already looms as a mouth-watering prospect. In the current global landscape, while South Africa remains the undisputed number one, England under Borthwick's steady leadership are firmly leading the chasing pack.
