Steve Borthwick backs England to respond following defeat to Scotland

After the 31-20 defeat to Scotland in round two, England’s title hopes are already hanging by a thread. Another loss would almost certainly end them. Yet rather than overhaul his team in response, Borthwick has largely doubled down, publicly backing players who endured a bruising afternoon at Murrayfield.

The most striking example is Henry Arundell. The Bath winger experienced a chaotic contest in Edinburgh, spending significant time off the field after two yellow cards, the second upgraded to a 20-minute red for an aerial collision, as well as scoring a try. For a young player on the international stage, it would have been understandable had the coaching staff chosen to ease him out of the spotlight.

Instead, Borthwick has made a point of reinforcing his belief in the 23-year-old’s talent and resilience after his return from Top 14 side Racing 92.

"He's come back to England, he's gone away and played overseas as a young man, then he said I want to get back to England, I want to play in the England team."

That journey back into the England fold is central to Borthwick’s argument. Arundell, he insists, has already demonstrated commitment and growth.

"He has then come back into the squad prior to the autumn, played a little bit but not much, but has been challenged to improve some areas. He has gone away and improved them. He has gone away and strived to be better."

Last weekend was painful, and Borthwick acknowledged the personal toll it took.

"Saturday was… it was a difficult day. Clearly it hit him personally. The guy is still a fantastic rugby player who has worked desperately hard and is clearly very passionate about playing for England."

The message is unmistakable. Arundell’s mistakes do not outweigh his potential. England’s head coach wants him playing freely rather than fearing the consequences of error.

"I can't wait to see him out there again on Saturday. I can't wait to see him have the ball in his hands."

That theme of trust extends beyond one individual. The repositioning of Tommy Freeman from outside centre back to the wing prompted suggestions that selection has been shaped by the Scotland defeat. Borthwick rejected the idea that his choices were reactive or punitive.

"I think that if we'd won in Scotland, there are players in the team that are playing this week because I'm backing them to put in a performance that they'll want to put in after last week."

Rather than wholesale change, he has chosen continuity in key areas, even hinting that victory in Edinburgh might have led to greater rotation.

"If it had gone the way everything wanted to go last week, perhaps I would have changed them as well, but it didn't quite go the way we wanted it to."

Crucially, he wants his squad to feel secure in their roles.

"I'm backing players there and I want players to feel backed."

The return of Ollie Lawrence is one of the more eye catching adjustments. The powerful centre was absent in Scotland but now steps back into the midfield, offering a directness England arguably lacked.

"You saw the carry that he can bring. He can take a game forward with his ball carry. That's his big point of difference."

England’s faith in individuals comes against the backdrop of a formidable opponent. Borthwick is under no illusions about Ireland’s cohesion and tactical evolution.

"They speak incredibly highly of the players and incredibly highly of the coaches. The detail, the preparation and that phase play attack."

He also noted their collective familiarity.

"They've got a half a Lions team and they all play together so much for Leinster. It's such a cohesive team that has such incredible understanding."