Northampton head coach Sam Vesty has questioned whether England's rugby team has lost its identity under head coach Steve Borthwick. The RFU is currently reviewing England's disappointing Six Nations campaign, where the team lost four games for the first time since 1976. Vesty believes England's overly conservative, kick-heavy playing style lacks a clear identity compared to other nations.

Borthwick, who guided England to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals with a basic approach, has spoken about the 'weight of the jersey' being restrictive. However, Vesty dismisses this as a red herring, pointing out that teams like Scotland and Italy have distinct playing identities that fans can easily recognize. He coaches several England internationals at Northampton, including half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith.

The criticism comes amid growing pressure on Borthwick's tenure. Vesty suggests that England's playing style has become so indistinct that observers struggle to define what the team represents. This identity crisis, he argues, is more fundamental than any pressure from national expectations.