Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Steve Borthwick's England Rugby Team Embraces Renewal and Tactical Evolution

The head coach blends fresh talent, experienced players, and club synergies to refine England’s attack ahead of Italy clash.

Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - France v Wales - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - January 31, 2025 Wales' Tom Rogers and Ben Thomas during the match REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
Rugby Union - Autumn Internationals - Scotland v Australia - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain - November 24, 2024  Scotland's Darcy Graham misses a chance to score a try REUTERS/Russell Cheyne/File Photo
Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Wales v Ireland - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - February 22, 2025 Wales' Ellis Mee in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo
Rugby Union - Autumn Internationals - Wales v Australia - Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - November 17, 2024 Wales' Gareth Anscombe in action Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File Photo

Overview

  • Steve Borthwick has introduced 15 new players to Test rugby during his tenure, while reintegrating others previously sidelined under Eddie Jones.
  • Fraser Dingwall, described as a 'glue player,' returns to the starting XV, forming a cohesive midfield with Northampton teammates Fin Smith and Alex Mitchell.
  • Elliot Daly is set to start at full-back for the first time since 2020, replacing Marcus Smith, as England seeks to balance experience and width in their backline.
  • The team’s attack strategy emphasizes fluidity, offloading, and athleticism, with a focus on leveraging natural club synergies for faster, instinctive playmaking.
  • England’s rebuilding process includes addressing development challenges, such as limited pathways and player exodus, while fostering alignment across senior and age-grade squads.