England's Cautious Attack Under Borthwick Criticised Ahead of Paris Clash
Steve Borthwick has allowed England to become far too cautious in attack, according to former international Ugo Monye. As England prepare for their final Six Nations match against France in Paris, Monye argues that the team's rigid gameplan is holding them back, stifling the expression and invention that once made them a thrilling side to watch.
The Problem of Stagnation
The inquest into England's disappointing Six Nations campaign has already begun, a troubling sign before the championship has even concluded. While everyone has opinions on what is wrong, Monye pinpoints the gameplan as the primary issue. He emphasises that this is not merely a reaction to recent defeats but a trend observed since last autumn, where England tightened up despite securing four victories.
The contrast is stark when looking back to 2024. After a loss to Scotland, England used a fallow week in York to throw off the shackles in attack, which paid immediate dividends. There was an undeniable energy to the team, exemplified by Marcus Smith's winning drop goal against Ireland and a narrow defeat to France in Lyon. It was not just physical energy but energy in their expression, giving supporters something to truly care about.
Lost Expression and Invention
Monye recalls feeling similarly optimistic during last summer's tour of Argentina. With global attention on the British & Irish Lions in Australia, England played scintillating rugby against the Pumas. Blindside flankers linked play, second rows tipped on passes, and England scored a variety of tries against a strong opponent. The prospect of supplementing that team with senior players returning from Lions duty was exciting.
However, November brought a regression. Despite a clean sweep of victories in the autumn internationals, there was no progression in the gameplan. As southern hemisphere nations analyse and adapt to the evolving game, England have failed to keep pace. Their approach has become rigid, particularly in entering the opposition 22, and they lack the polish to capitalise on possession and territory.
The Need for an Attacking Mindset
The critical question is whether a more attacking mindset, focused on ball movement, would improve England's chances in matches they have lost. This is difficult to answer definitively, given early deficits against Scotland and Ireland. Yet, Monye observes that England produce threatening attacking patterns when chasing games, as seen at Murrayfield, against Ireland, and in the final minutes versus Italy. His frustration lies in why they must be behind to play heads-up rugby, looking for space and becoming a dangerous side.
The Challenge in Paris
Facing France under the lights at Stade de France is one of rugby's toughest challenges. Monye stresses that the non-negotiable is playing for each other. It has been a tough week for Steve Borthwick, but staying away from home may help the squad bond and develop the mentality needed. England began the championship as favourites with World Cup optimism, but repeated disappointments have taken a toll.
Knowing the coaching staff, Monye expects they have been analysing data to rectify problems. However, he advocates simplifying things with the "eye test"—relying on what one can see directly. With so many theories circulating, fixes are difficult, but as Borthwick has indicated, the response must start with senior players rising to the challenge in Paris.
Ultimately, Monye calls for England to leave their cautious gameplan behind, use their eyes, and inject the attacking energy that has been missing to overturn the odds in a daunting Parisian showdown.
