Eddie Jones blames Borthwick’s title talk for England’s Six Nations slump
Guardian Sport
by PA MediaFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Eddie Jones has criticized Steve Borthwick for prematurely focusing on a potential title decider against France before the Six Nations tournament had even begun. Jones believes this overconfidence contributed to England’s unexpected slump in performance, which saw them suffer significant defeats to Scotland and Ireland after an impressive 12-test winning streak. These losses have shifted the stakes for their upcoming match against Italy, turning it into a must-win game on March 7th.
Jones emphasized that looking ahead can be risky for any team, as it may disrupt their focus during the tournament. England’s recent form has been inconsistent, with their confidence seemingly shaken after two heavy defeats. This downturn has not only halted their progress but also added pressure to secure a victory against Italy to maintain their chances in the competition.
The situation highlights the importance of maintaining concentration and avoiding distractions in high-stakes sports competitions. Jones’ comments underscore how premature declarations about future matchups can impact team dynamics and performance. As England aims to recover, the upcoming game against Italy will be crucial in determining whether they can bounce back or if their Six Nations campaign will be remembered for its dramatic collapse.
This matter is significant for sports fans as it raises questions about leadership and decision-making within teams. The fallout from these defeats could influence how coaches approach future tournaments, particularly in managing expectations and keeping their team focused on the present rather than potential future outcomes. For rugby enthusiasts, understanding the dynamics between coach confidence and team performance adds depth to analyzing England’s chances moving forward.
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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/24/2026