England: Five reasons for Six Nations slide
BBC World
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England’s dominance in rugby union has suddenly evaporated during this year's Six Nations tournament, leaving fans and analysts puzzled. After a 12-match winning streak that fueled speculation of grand slam ambitions, England’s campaign has unraveled with back-to-back defeats against Scotland and Ireland. Head coach Steve Borthwick has called for perspective, noting that the team was overhyped before the tournament began. However, the severity of their decline raises questions about their form, strategy, and resilience under pressure.
One key factor contributing to England’s downturn is the overinflation of expectations. Their impressive run of victories had created unrealistic anticipation among fans and critics. While they delivered standout performances, including a thrilling win against New Zealand last November, these victories were not always as convincing as they appeared. Opponents like Argentina and Scotland had weakened teams or lacked full strength during some of England’s earlier matches, making their success less indicative of their true capabilities.
Another significant challenge has been the evolution of their aerial rivalry. England capitalized on new rule changes that favored high ball play, using their superior jumping ability to gain territory. However, their opponents have quickly adapted, with teams like Scotland and Ireland deploying effective strategies to counter England’s aerial dominance. Ireland, in particular, exploited gaps in England’s defensive structure, while Scotland relied on a backfield barrage to outman
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/23/2026