Shock favourite leads the betting to replace under pressure Steve Borthwick

 Woodward noted that the trio was visibly thriving, showing no signs of fatigue. “When Smith sat down on the bench, he almost looked around and shrugged his shoulders as if to say, ‘Is that it? Is that me done?’” he described, capturing Smith’s apparent bewilderment.

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England's autumn opener started with promise but took a painful twist as Mark Tele'a came back off the bench to land a game-winning try in the 76th minute, sending England home with a familiar sense of deja vu.

, Woodward wrote with frustration: “Steve Borthwick’s methods must be questioned because the game was there for the taking. The team were in control.” For Woodward, it wasn’t just about the final moments but a tactical misstep that England couldn’t afford.

According to Woodward, England had an eight-point lead at 22-14 with 20 minutes to go—prime time to keep the pressure on. But Borthwick, he argues, made a “crime” of what seemed like pre-planned substitutions. Off went Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith, and soon after, Chandler Cunningham-South—all key players on the day.

For Woodward, these weren’t just any subs—they were a “raft of what clearly seemed premeditated substitutions.” His assessment was clear: “It was absolute madness.”

As the pressure mounts on Borthwick, we dive into the top five coaches tipped by the bookies as potential successors.

The long-serving Exeter Chiefs coach has built a highly successful team, guiding them from the Championship to European champions.

Although Baxter has expressed satisfaction with his role at Exeter, he remains open to discussing the England job. His experience is primarily at the club level, which might be a consideration for the RFU in selecting a national head coach.

Ireland’s current head coach, Andy Farrell, would be a high-profile option for England, especially given his previous role as their defence coach from 2011 to 2015.

However, he is under contract with Ireland through 2025, and his departure following England’s disappointing 2015 World Cup could complicate a return to the RFU.

The La Rochelle head coach has established himself as a respected leader in European rugby. O'Gara has previously expressed interest in the England role, but he has acknowledged the mental leap required to take on such a high-profile position.

Family considerations and alignment with England’s rugby leadership would be factors in his decision.

An experienced international coach with stints leading Australia and Argentina, Michael Cheika brings tactical insight and adaptability.

His broad international background would offer England a fresh perspective from outside the English rugby system.

Currently the frontrunner, Lancaster’s successful period with Leinster has boosted his profile since his last tenure as England head coach.

The Racing boss has expressed interest in coaching England again, although he’s also open to opportunities in the southern hemisphere. Lancaster’s RFU experience makes him a familiar and appealing choice for the role.

Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best. Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.

From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage. Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.