Lingering questions will only grow if Borthwick’s sweeping selections don’t pay off
Borthwick has gone bold against Italy as England search for a reaction to defeats by Scotland and Ireland
©David Howlett
The manner of their defeats to Scotland and Ireland has left a lingering question over the past fortnight: where do England go from here?
The 42-21 loss to Ireland in particular - a match in which Andy Farrell’s side ran in their highest-ever points tally at Allianz Stadium - has raised questions about Steve Borthwick’s tactics and his team's mentality.
Then came Tuesday’s team announcement for Saturday’s showdown with Italy.
Since taking charge, Borthwick has projected an air of consistency in selection - perhaps underpinned by their recent 12-match winning streak.
Yet for their trip to Rome, the England head coach has opted for a dramatic reset, making 12 changes in total.
In their last two games, England have lacked the clinical edge they showed against Wales, with a series of kicking and set-piece errors that have contributed to their downfall.
They were outclassed in the first half in Edinburgh again against Ireland, so if they are to make a cohesive and authoritative start on Saturday afternoon, Borthwick’s fresh selections will need to gel immediately.
The half-back pairing of Ben Spencer and Fin Smith have never started a Test together, while the midfield combination of Seb Atkinson and Tommy Freeman adds further intrigue.
There will also be scrutiny over England’s approach to the high ball, once a potent weapon, but an area of marked vulnerability in their recent outings.
Two weeks ago, Ireland's kicking game (31 kicks to 18) and pressure exposed England’s backfield, causing them to concede possession and momentum for a lot of the game.
It meant Ireland led 22-0 in the first half an hour, so it will be up to Cadan Murley, Tom Roebuck and the experienced Elliot Daly to produce an improved showing in that area.
The selection of Spencer at nine, in place of the injured Alex Mitchell, suggests England may be leaning towards a more kick-led approach in Rome.
If that is the strategy, execution will be everything. A more accurate kicking game, with a well-organised kick chase, will allow them to pin Italy back in their half rather than playing from deep.
But any repeat of the defensive frailties we witnessed against Ireland could prove costly against an Azzurri side that thrives in open play and might be sensing blood.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Borthwick conceded that England have not “met the standards” required, and that has perhaps prompted him to wield the selection axe.
In the pack, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ollie Chessum and Henry Pollock have dropped to the bench, with Jamie George, Alex Coles and Guy Pepper promoted to the starting XV.
Ben Earl shifts to No.8, while Tom Curry moves to the openside, meaning only Ellis Genge, Joe Heyes and captain Maro Itoje retain the same numbers on their backs from the Ireland defeat.
The moments of attacking ambition displayed by England against Ireland, particularly in the second half, will need to be harnessed and built upon in Rome. They will need to bring energy and purpose from the first whistle.
Multi-phase pressure, strong carrying around the ruck area, and quick ball can stretch Italy’s defensive system.
The Azzurri have never beaten England and, in light of Borthwick’s sweeping selection changes, the onus will still be on his side to preserve that record despite Italy’s constant improvements.
Opportunity may knock for those who have waited in the wings, but England must produce both a response and a result in Rome.
Fail to do so, and those lingering questions surrounding the team will only intensify.
England: Daly; Roebuck, Freeman, Atkinson, Murley; F Smith, Spencer; Genge, George, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Coles, Pepper, T Curry, Earl.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Chessum, Underhill, Pollock, Van Poortvliet, M Smith
