England's Six Nations campaign has descended into a full-blown crisis after a humiliating 33-32 defeat to Italy in Rome, marking their first ever loss to the Azzurri in 33 attempts. The result leaves Steve Borthwick's side with three consecutive defeats, each more soul-destroying than the last, and places the head coach under immense pressure.
The match saw England squander a 10-point lead, with captain Maro Itoje receiving a yellow card that proved pivotal. Italy capitalised on England's ill-discipline, scoring 16 points while the visitors were reduced to 13 men. Itoje's haunted expression at the final whistle encapsulated the team's shock and despair.
Borthwick's decision to make 12 changes to his starting lineup backfired, and his side's fundamental flaws—poor discipline, costly turnovers, and a failure to convert chances—remained unaddressed. Despite a kicking game aimed at pinning Italy back, England's error count was disastrous, and they struggled to manage the second half effectively.
Ben Earl, winning his 50th cap, was one of the few players to emerge with credit, but a stack of others failed to seize their opportunity. The defeat has intensified scrutiny on Borthwick, with the Rugby Football Union's chief executive Bill Sweeney facing a difficult decision over the coach's future. A trip to Paris to face a title-chasing France side next week looms large.
Supporters who travelled to Rome in large numbers were left groaning as England's performance failed to inspire. If those groans turn to boos, Borthwick's position will become even more precarious.
