Six Nations 2026: What went wrong for England in nightmare defeat by Ireland?
BBC World
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
England’s shocking 42-21 defeat by Ireland at Allianz Stadium marked a dramatic end to their 12-game winning streak and dashed hopes of a Six Nations title. The match, described as one of the worst performances under head coach Steve Borthwick, saw England concede five tries and face questions about their tactics and mental resilience. Despite Borthwick’s claim that the team is still developing, critics argue that the defensive porousness and lack of accuracy exposed flaws in their game plan.
The defeat came just two weeks after England’s 31-20 loss to Scotland at Murrayfield, where they struggled to adapt to Scotland’s fast start. Experts like former England scrum-half Matt Dawson pointed out tactical issues, suggesting that Borthwick needs to adjust his approach. Ireland capitalized on England’s early mistakes, scoring 22 points in the first half—highlighting a recurring problem of poor individual preparation and inability to respond under pressure.
England’s once-imposing home record also crumbled, with their nine-match winning streak ending in emphatic fashion. This collapse not only ended their title hopes but also left them needing points from their final matches against Italy and France to secure mid-table finishes. Borthwick faces growing scrutiny over his leadership, as fans and analysts alike question whether he can turn the team’s fortunes around.
The defeat underscores broader concerns about England’s ability to handle high-pressure situations and adapt their gameplay. While Borthwick remains optimistic about future improvements, critics argue that without swift tactical changes, England’s campaign is in jeopardy. The match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for both the coach and the team, with fans eagerly awaiting a turnaround in form.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026