After a tumultuous run into the Rugby World Cup, can England now cash in after qualifying for the knockout stages?
Before the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicked off in France, many England fans were apprehensive about their country’s chances.
Just nine months into his tenure as England coach, Steve Borthwick faced adversity after one of the worst buildups to a Rugby World Cup, including a loss to Fiji, giving the Pacific Nation their first win at Twickenham.
However, fast forward to the present day, and England are now preparing for their final group game against Samoa, with pool qualification already secured after winning three games from three, including a gutsy performance against Argentina in their opening account at the World Cup.
No England fan expected England to qualify for the knockout stages. Now, the question is, what is needed for England to continue in this tournament, and can they emulate the success of 20 years ago?
Ford finding his feet after Farrell’s suspension
Individual performances have been key to England’s success in this World Cup, and none have been more vital than that of George Ford’s.
The 30-year-old is back to his best after a fantastic season at Sale Sharks, guiding the Manchester club to the Premiership final in 2023.
But even after shining throughout the season, Ford struggled to force his way into Borthwick’s plans, with captain Owen Farrell taking on the number 10 shirt.
However, Ford got his opportunity after Farrell’s ill-discipline once again let him down after he received a red card in England’s warm up game against Wales, meaning he missed the opening two games of the World Cup campaign.
Ford then took this opportunity with both hands, and it now looks like his position to lose.
He has controlled all the games he has started in, scoring 41 points in this World Cup, including a stunning 23 against Argentina, kicking England to victory in their opener.
For England to succeed after the group stages, George Ford must be on top form.
Borthwick must stick with what he knows
Since coming into the England job, Steve Borthwick has been playing around with the squad, and he still has not found a favoured XV.
Whether it be during the Six Nations or the Rugby World Cup warmup games, the former Leicester Tigers coach has not stuck with the same side, hindering his and England’s progress.
However, in France, Borthwick has finally found players who have taken on positions and made them their own.
Ford has taken the fly-half role superbly in France, and Ben Earl at number 8 has been a revelation, giving England an identity which has been missing with Borthwick’s constant shuffling of the pack.
Now, the England coach has finally hit the jackpot on those two important positions, and a change from that from Borthwick would be detrimental to England’s chances.
