England's quest for their first Six Nations title since 2020 hinges on Steve Borthwick's squad selection, and the pressure is on! Can he assemble a team that can conquer Europe despite a challenging schedule and a string of unfortunate injuries? Let's dive into the five key areas to watch as Borthwick reveals his hand.
England enters the 2026 Six Nations Championship with high hopes, riding an impressive wave of 11 consecutive victories that stretches back to the second round of last year's tournament. The team aims to capitalize on their recent success and mount a serious challenge for the title. But here's where it gets controversial... The schedule is far from forgiving, featuring only two home games and daunting away trips to Edinburgh and Paris. They'll also face an increasingly competitive Italy in Rome, posing a significant test.
The pivotal clash against Ireland in round three will undoubtedly shape their campaign. The condensed Six Nations schedule adds further intensity, and Borthwick is already grappling with a number of injuries and selection dilemmas in crucial positions, despite the team's recent winning streak. It's a tightrope walk between maintaining momentum and injecting fresh talent.
1. Prop Problems: More Than Just a Scrum
What was once a position of growing strength, the prop department has been hit hard by injuries, transforming it into a significant concern for Borthwick. Will Stuart's Achilles rupture and Asher Opoku-Fordjour's untimely setback have deprived England of two of their top three tightheads. This elevates Joe Heyes to perhaps the most crucial player in that position. On the loosehead side, Fin Baxter is likely to miss the opening game as he recovers from injury.
The good news? Ellis Genge is tearing it up for Bristol, showcasing exceptional form. And the prop cupboard isn't completely bare, especially after the recent retirements of veterans Joe Marler and Dan Cole. Trevor Davison, known for his experience and who toured the Americas last summer, is likely to step up at tighthead. He might be joined by either Vilikesa Sela or Afolabi Fasogbon, both members of the Under-20 World Cup-winning squad alongside Opoku-Fordjour. Fasogbon is considered slightly further along in his development, although he's faced some challenges in his second season with a struggling Gloucester team. Both are highly regarded within the England setup for their potential. Is relying on relatively inexperienced players in such a crucial position too risky?
2. The Midfield Mix: A Puzzle with Many Pieces
The composition of the midfield will significantly influence the rest of the England team. Borthwick could name as many as six genuine contenders for starting positions: Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence, Seb Atkinson, Fraser Dingwall, Max Ojomoh, and Tommy Freeman. That's a lot of talent vying for limited spots!
Freeman's development as a centre is a long-term project, but his recent performances for Northampton suggest he could be a valuable asset in the No. 13 jersey, a position he filled against Australia last November. His work rate, lateral movement, and defensive decision-making are highly valued at outside centre, although Ollie Lawrence demonstrated his own strengths in the victory over New Zealand. And this is the part most people miss... The competition is fierce.
Is there still a role for the experienced Slade? He's been outstanding for Exeter all season. Dingwall's 'glue-like' qualities, providing stability and cohesion, might also be favored. Ojomoh's impressive start against Argentina highlighted his blend of distribution skills and powerful carries, while the athletic Atkinson impressed everyone on tour last July. Who do YOU think should start in the midfield? Let us know in the comments!
3. Back Three Balance: Speed, Skill, and Aerial Prowess
The potential deployment of Freeman in the centres could simplify the situation on the right wing, where Tom Roebuck would likely continue, given his exceptional ability as a kick retriever and the increasing importance of aerial contests in the modern game. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso also appears to be a certain starter, while Henry Arundell is likely to compete for a role off the bench.
Don't rule out Elliot Daly continuing to play a prominent role, especially with the increasing trend of using two-back benches. The left-footed Daly could even start at full-back. George Furbank might be the ideal player for that position, but he's been plagued by injuries. Marcus Smith is currently more likely to feature at No. 15 than at fly-half. Freddie Steward's diligent work to develop his skillset has solidified his position as the incumbent. The back three is a constant balancing act between speed, skill, and aerial dominance.
4. Lock Stocks: Depth Concerns in the Second Row
George Martin is expected to miss the Six Nations, leaving England short of second-row power. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum are firmly established as the preferred locking partnership, and Alex Coles has begun to translate his impressive Northampton form into more impactful international performances.
Beyond this trio, the depth becomes less certain. Chandler Cunningham-South is seen as a lock option, despite limited game time in that position, while Charlie Ewels provides a steady presence after returning at the end of November. It's telling that even with Borthwick frequently using a bench strategy that involves bringing on five forwards simultaneously, England's designated lock replacement has generally seen limited action. Ted Hill played only 12 minutes across two appearances in last year's Six Nations, and Cunningham-South's involvement against the All Blacks was a mere three minutes. Is the lack of depth at lock a major vulnerability for England?
5. World Cup Looms into View: Building for the Future
Borthwick has indicated that he will now only be investing time in players he believes can contribute to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, given the limited time available to integrate players into the core of that squad. This may lead to some tough decisions. Daly received strong support in November, and Slade appears poised to extend his Exeter contract with the aim of participating in the tournament. Jamie George has already announced his retirement nearly two years before the World Cup! The hooker remains a top-class set-piece operator and leader.
The RFU's efforts to improve the talent pipeline are yielding results, with promising players emerging at every level. It might be too early for players like Noah Caluori or Kepu Tuipulotu to displace more established options, but things can change rapidly. Just a year ago, Henry Pollock was preparing for the U20 Six Nations. Borthwick faces a delicate balancing act between rewarding experience and investing in youth.
Ultimately, Borthwick's squad selection will reveal his vision for England's future. Will he prioritize experience or gamble on potential? How will he address the injury crisis in the front row? And can he find the right midfield combination to unlock England's attacking potential? What are your thoughts on Borthwick's approach? Do you agree with his focus on the 2027 World Cup? Share your opinions in the comments below!
