England’s heavy loss prompts calls for Borthwick’s dismissal
England head coach Steve Borthwick finds himself under intense scrutiny following a crushing 42-21 loss to Ireland at Twickenham, with supporters flooding the RFU with demands for his removal, reports BritPanorama.
The defeat ranks among the most damaging ever suffered by the Red Roses on home soil. Coming just seven days after their loss to Scotland in Edinburgh, the result has placed enormous strain on Borthwick and his coaching team.
Andy Farrell’s Irish side comprehensively dismantled England, laying bare the squad’s weaknesses for all to see. The match highlighted tactical shortcomings, as England struggled to retain possession and failed to convert opportunities into points.
Borthwick, addressing the media after the match, rejected the swings in public perception. “Two weeks ago after 12 wins on the bounce, people were talking about us being the best team in the world and now they’ll be saying all kinds of other things and neither is true,” he stated. The head coach maintained his belief in the squad’s trajectory, insisting England remains on a developmental path with significant potential for growth.
He acknowledged slow starts in both recent fixtures had left his side chasing the game. Former England fly-half Andy Goode raised serious doubts about Borthwick’s credentials during the match, stating on X, “England getting schooled here, a load of players playing nowhere near their level. Big questions around Borthwick’s abilities as a head coach too.”
Supporters vented their frustration directly at the official England account, with some fans declaring that any competent coach would defeat “this bang average Ireland team” given the talent available to England. Others described the current situation as a “farce” and demanded immediate management changes.
Captain Maro Itoje, marking a bittersweet milestone on the occasion of his 100th England cap, shouldered blame alongside his teammates. “I guess the first half we turned the ball over too much; when we did get in their half, we weren’t clinical. As players, we have to own it. We have to take responsibility and make sure we’re better,” Itoje said.
With England’s championship aspirations now in jeopardy, the repercussions of this defeat may extend far beyond the pitch, signalling a critical juncture for the Red Roses as they navigate the turbulent waters of international rugby.
