England RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney remains confident in Steve Borthwick’s side despite suffering a damaging defeat to Italy in Rome.
In what had been dubbed a must win after suffering a humbling defeats to Scotland and Ireland this Six Nations campaign, Italy made history with a 23-18 win over England on March 7 in Rome.
It has put even more pressure on Borthwick – with England heading to Paris on the final weekend to face a title-chasing France as huge underdogs and needing a shock victory to even salvage a two-victory tournament.
RFU chief executive officer Bill Sweeney remains confident in England despite their recent run of form
“After a 12 match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing, and we feel that just as much as everyone else,” Sweeney said.
“Steve and his coaching team are working tirelessly to make improvements, and we remain fully committed to supporting them and the players as they face France this weekend and then look ahead to the Nations Championship.
“Part of that support is being open about what hasn’t gone right during this Six Nations and making sure everyone has a clear sense of how we move through those challenges together. That’s something we’ll be talking through and working on in the days and weeks ahead.
“We will work together to understand and rectify why we have been unable to meet the expectations and anticipation going into these games.
“England fans rightly expect a team that learns and grows through adversity, and we’re confident this group will do everything they can to deliver that.”
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James Cole looked at some of the biggest talking points going into England’s Six Nations clash against Italy
