Steve Borthwick has challenged England to end their six-year Six Nations title drought by winning in Paris on Super Saturday. The head coach named a 36-man squad for the tournament, including uncapped props Billy Sela and Emmanuel Iyogun, and flanker Greg Fisilau.
England have not won the championship since the Covid-hit 2020 edition, and last secured a grand slam in 2016. Borthwick, however, is bullish about his side's chances, urging fans to travel to the French capital for the final round on 14 March.
“We want to be in a position entering that game where we can achieve what we’re all aiming to achieve,” said Borthwick. “We want England fans flooding across the Channel to Paris to come and watch the team in a massive encounter.”
The squad includes returning full-back George Furbank, who has been sidelined with calf and arm injuries since November 2024. Several players, including Fin Smith and Ollie Lawrence, will attend a warm-weather training camp in Girona for rehabilitation, with fitness doubts ahead of the opener against Wales on 7 February.
Borthwick acknowledged the injury disruptions in the front row, which may impact his replacement strategy. He added: “We have plenty of depth in other positions. That decision will be around the experienced front-row forwards.”
The head coach also called on his players to embrace expectations, saying: “I think it’s brilliant that people are talking in that way about this England team. I want them to attack this tournament, come in with a mindset to play brave and attack.”
