Head coach Steve Borthwick's team has fallen to fourth place in the standings after a 31-20 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield followed by a 42-21 home defeat to Ireland. The manner of these defeats has raised serious questions about Borthwick's tactics and his team's mentality.
Borthwick had previously described the upcoming match against France as a potential title decider, but England now faces an uphill battle just to finish mid-table. Former England players have criticized the team's slow starts and inability to adapt during matches. 'We are on a journey of development that has a lot of growth in it,' Borthwick acknowledged after the Ireland loss.