Steve Borthwick has some big decisions to make ahead of next weekend’s Six Nations finale against Ireland in Dublin.
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France produced a ruthless display to condemn Borthwick’s men to their heaviest home defeat in history, running out 53-10 winners at Twickenham.
As a result, England’s title challenge is over in humiliating fashion and means this is the first Six Nations campaign where they have lost two home matches.
This serves as a clear indication that there is still a considerable amount of work to be done by the team to compete with the world’s top-performing teams.
The situation could potentially worsen as they are scheduled to play against the number one-ranked team in the world, Ireland, who are still pursuing the Grand Slam.
We looked at the player ratings from Saturday’s defeat with the following players dropping out…
HOW ENGLAND SHOULD LINE-UP AGAINST IRELAND:
Back Three
15. Freddie Steward
14. Max Malins
11. Anthony Watson
Centres
13. Joe Marchant for Henry Slade
Telegraph 4/10: “Got caught out of position for France’s opener. Never really alleviated any of the kick pressure off Smith. Made way for Farrell earlier than he would have liked.”
Rugby Pass 3.5/10: “No one could quibble that he didn’t deserve his place, but he was blown away here and hooked on 46 for Farrell. His display was summed up by how he was roadkill as Flament blasted over for his first try.”
Planet Rugby 2/10: “Slade was sloppy with ball in hand and didn’t make use of his boot, either.”
Replacement: Joe Marchant
12. Ollie Lawrence