England head coach Steve Borthwick has acknowledged that the pressure of the Six Nations campaign has weighed heavily on his players during a disappointing tournament. The team's performance has drawn significant criticism, with Borthwick admitting that the England shirt has felt burdensome at times for some squad members.

Borthwick emphasized the need for greater incisiveness in attack rather than a major tactical overhaul. He defended his approach, stating that while discussions about tactical plans are understandable given the team's results and low try count, the focus remains on improving execution. The coach maintains that his team has a clear structure but needs players to bring their individual strengths to the field.

The Rugby Football Union has publicly backed Borthwick, with chief executive Bill Sweeney expressing confidence in the coach and his staff. Despite the disappointing results, Borthwick remains committed to his vision, having worked closely with RFU leadership since taking the role in late 2022. The team entered the tournament with high aspirations but has failed to meet their own targets.