Rugby Union Mar 15, 2026

Tom Roebuck: England's Six Nations loss to Italy was heartbreaking but squad still back Steve Borthwick ahead of France game

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Tom Roebuck: England's Six Nations loss to Italy was heartbreaking but squad still back Steve Borthwick ahead of France game

England's Six Nations campaign hit a new low when they lost for the first time to Italy on Saturday, yet the squad still have faith in Steve Borthwick, according to Tom Roebuck.

England crumbled in Rome as they made it three consecutive losses - that after recording a 12-match winning streak, prompting rumblings of a Six Nations Grand Slam.

But wing Roebuck remains confident that, despite the difficult defeats, England can get back on form, starting with Saturday's Six Nations finale against France in Paris.

"We are gutted. The fact we lost is heartbreaking," Roebuck said.

"Three on the bounce isn't great either but every time we go out onto that pitch we want to win for England. Unfortunately that hasn't happened over the last few games.

"As long as we get our mentality right and our mindset clear then there's no reason why we can't go and put it right.

"We have had some good, honest conversations and some clear review points to go after.

"We want to just get back to the England way and the best way can be.

"We are going to go [into the game against France] with the mindset to win every game we play for England. You want to win for your country."

But their loss to Italy has also put immense pressure on Borthwick. in the wake of the Italy embarrassment but doubts still remain ahead of summer fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Asked if the team still backs Borthwick, Roebuck insisted: "One hundred per cent. Steve's a fantastic coach, he's got around us as players and individuals to give us clear individual chats.

"The boys back him, I definitely back him. I want to make sure we put our best foot forward for him and everyone else."

England have not defeated France away since 2016 so face a tough job to avoid a fourth successive loss.

England last reached that inauspicious milestone in 2024 with five consecutive losses - although three of those were to a strong New Zealand side.

Tags:

rugby-union news

Share this article

Related Posts

Eddie Jones: England would be foolhardy to sack head coach Steve Borthwick after poor Six Nations run

Eddie Jones: England would be foolhardy to sack head coach Steve Borthwick after poor Six Nations run

Former England head coach Eddie Jones believes sacking Steve Borthwick would be "foolhardy" despite a poor Guinness Six Nations campaign.England finis...

Ireland hand contract extensions to Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier with World Cup 2027 in mind

Ireland hand contract extensions to Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier with World Cup 2027 in mind

The Irish Rugby Football Union has announced contract extensions for Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier as they look...

Six Nations: France, Scotland, Ireland in three-way title tussle on 'Super Saturday' like no other

Six Nations: France, Scotland, Ireland in three-way title tussle on 'Super Saturday' like no other

The 2026 Six Nations has kept everyone guessing, ripping up pre‑tournament scripts and making anyone who dared to predict anything look foolish. One f...

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

The dates, fixtures and host cities have been revealed for Howden British & Irish Lions’ historic Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027. and will...

Jamie George: Former England captain to retire from rugby in 2027 after a final season with Saracens

Jamie George: Former England captain to retire from rugby in 2027 after a final season with Saracens

Former England captain Jamie George will retire from rugby in 2027 after signing a new one-year contract at Saracens.The 35-year-old, who has played o...

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

Women’s British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand

The dates, fixtures and host cities have been revealed for Howden British & Irish Lions’ historic Women’s Series in New Zealand in 2027. and will...