Tom Roebuck says England still back Steve Borthwick

England wing Tom Roebuck says the squad remains united behind head coach Steve Borthwick despite the team’s historic Six Nations defeat to Italy, insisting the focus has already shifted to ending the campaign strongly against France in Paris.

Tom Roebuck Backs Steve Borthwick

Roebuck said the England camp is deeply disappointed after the loss in Rome but stressed that belief in Borthwick has not changed. Italy’s 23-18 win was their first ever victory over England in the Six Nations era and left England with three straight defeats after opening the tournament with a win over Wales.

The Sale Sharks wing described the result as heartbreaking and said the squad had held honest internal discussions in the aftermath. He added that the players still believe they can respond positively if they get their mindset and preparation right ahead of the final round.

"We are gutted. The fact we lost is heartbreaking," Roebuck said.

"Three on the bounce isn't great either but every time we go out onto that pitch we want to win for England. Unfortunately that hasn't happened over the last few games.

"As long as we get our mentality right and our mindset clear then there's no reason why we can't go and put it right.

"We have had some good, honest conversations and some clear review points to go after.

England Six Nations Campaign Hits Trouble

England’s defeat in Rome was another major setback in a championship that had begun with high expectations following a long winning run stretching back into 2025. Losses to Scotland, Ireland and now Italy have left Borthwick’s side well out of title contention and under growing pressure before the trip to France.

Roebuck said the squad is determined to return to the standards expected of England and insisted every player remains committed to winning for the national team despite the difficult run of results.

"We want to just get back to the England way and the best way can be.

"We are going to go [into the game against France] with the mindset to win every game we play for England. You want to win for your country."