Steve Borthwick said all England players were starting from a “clean slate”, but the new boss already has little room for manoeuvre.`
The former England captain signed a five-year deal last Friday to take England to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, also bringing Kevin Sinfield from Leicester to be his defence coach.
Borthwick will not be able to make a huge overhaul initially, as he is only permitted to make five changes to the England Performance Squad from the autumn.
He selects his first squad and captain in January for two one-day training camps. After that, he should be able to move more freely with his selection.
“I want the whole country to be proud of us and to enjoy watching us play,” said Borthwick.
He later added: “I know pride will count for nothing if we don’t deliver. I was a little boy who fell in love with rugby watching the England team play. I want to shape a team that inspires.”
However, for now, the first question should be where are the weaknesses and who do you take out. Mako Vunipola was a huge weakness in the scrum during the Autumn so should be the first out the door.
Below, we look at the five changes fans have called for most on social media:
1) Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Replaces: Will Stuart
