Fans urge England to seek new coach as Springboks showdown looms
Sport is a peculiar beast. One day, you’re on top of the world; the next, you’re in the gutters. No one knows that better than England head coach Steve Borthwick right now.
Just last month, England were among the Six Nations contenders and appeared to be the only side capable of challenging South Africa’s supremacy, riding a 12-match winning streak. Even Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus started following England in December 2025 ahead of the opening round of the newly formed Nations Cup on July 4 in South Africa.
Pundits claimed this Test could determine the world’s best team after England’s November victory over New Zealand. But in just three weeks, England’s aura evaporated following the unravelling of their Six Nations campaign.
Brutal back-to-back losses
England suffered a 21-42 defeat to Ireland at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in Round 3 of the Six Nations, ending any lingering title hopes and ramping up scrutiny of Borthwick and flyhalf George Ford.
After losing to Scotland at Murrayfield, England conceded 22 unanswered points in the opening 30 minutes. Luke Cowan-Dickie and Freddie Steward were withdrawn before the break as Ireland exposed familiar weaknesses. Social media erupted, targeting Borthwick’s selections and Ford’s authority.
Ford endured a torrid afternoon, missing key kicks and drawing ironic cheers when he finally found touch – a rudderless display on a landmark day for captain Maro Itoje, who marked his 100th cap.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s attack, orchestrated by Jamison Gibson-Park, with Stuart McCloskey and Caelan Doris providing power and precision, ran rampant. Tommy O’Brien, Dan Sheehan, and Jamie Osborne all crossed as England’s defence crumbled. Sam Underhill’s late try offered scant consolation.
Pressure mounts
Former England flyhalf Andy Goode was blunt in his assessment, taking to X to share his views.
“Andy Farrell got his troops firing today – the mark of a head coach. Ireland were class from the first minute. England mirrored Steve Borthwick: uninspiring and dull. Ford’s time is up too in an England shirt.”
Andy Farrell got his troops firing today, the mark of the head coach, Ireland were class from the first minute. England mirrored Steve Borthwick, uninspiring and dull. Ford’s time is up too in an England shirt
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) February 21, 2026
RugbyPass’ columnist Neil Fissler added:
“English rugby needs a better coach than the robotic Steve Borthwick.”
Fans also questioned Borthwick’s tactical choices, particularly substituting Marcus Smith at 15 while Ford struggled at 10. Former US Eagle Will Hooley said:
“If Borthwick truly wanted to make a statement, then Smith can’t come on at 15… why not give him the keys at 10 for a half?”
Other supporters argued Ford should have been pulled after early mistakes.
“Great respect for George Ford, but after his second missed touch kick, I would have taken him off. He’s experienced, but clearly not himself today.”
Commentator Andrew McKenna defended Ford amid ironic cheers.
“Seriously? You’re taking the piss out of George Ford at Twickenham? He deserves better. Everyone has off days.”
Looking ahead
Despite criticism and the Rugby World Cup just over 18 months away, Borthwick’s position appears secure. His last two losses came after a remarkable 12-match winning streak. Speaking to ITV after the Ireland defeat, he said:
“Two weeks ago, people were talking about us being the best team in the world. Now they’ll say all kinds of other things – and neither is true.”
Still, many feel Borthwick’s tenure has flattered to deceive, and England’s talented player pool risks going to waste.
With two more Six Nations games remaining, the pressure is on to prove the critics wrong before the Nations Cup clash with South Africa.
*Additional source: Rugbypass
