England rugby captain Jamie George has issued a stern warning to his teammates ahead of the upcoming Six Nations championship, emphasising that the squad cannot afford to rest on their laurels despite an impressive 11-match winning streak. George, who recently confirmed he will retire from international rugby after the 2027 World Cup, stressed that England must continue to evolve and improve if they are to finally secure the coveted Six Nations title this season.
Complacency Warning Amidst Favouritism Debate
Despite being installed as second favourites behind France in the tournament betting markets, George insists that England cannot allow themselves to become complacent. "We've had a good run of results, but that doesn't guarantee anything in the Six Nations," George explained. "We need to be honest about where we can improve and build upon what we've achieved in those last eleven matches."
Challenging Fixture Schedule Ahead
England's campaign begins with a challenging opener against Wales on 7 February, followed by what George identifies as their most significant rivalry match against Scotland at Murrayfield. The England team has not secured a victory at the Edinburgh stadium since 2020, creating what George acknowledges as a particularly difficult psychological hurdle. "The Scotland fixture represents our biggest rivalry in the Six Nations," George noted. "Our record at Murrayfield speaks for itself, and we need to approach that match with the right mentality from the very beginning."
Support for Grieving Captain Maro Itoje
George also took time to express his full support for fellow forward Maro Itoje, who continues to lead the team while grieving the recent death of his mother. "Maro has shown incredible resilience and dedication during what must be an incredibly difficult period," George said. "His commitment to the team and his professionalism have been nothing short of inspirational, and we're all supporting him through this challenging time."
The England captain's comments come as the squad prepares for what many consider their most important Six Nations campaign in recent years, with expectations high following their extended winning run but historical difficulties in converting strong form into championship success.
