James Haskell says Steve Borthwick is the right coach as England head into the final Nations Championship games in November.
Borthwick endured England’s worst Six Nations showing, losing four of five matches, yet the RFU still backs him through to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
In November England will take on Australia, Japan and New Zealand before the Finals Weekend on the 27th‑28th at Twickenham.
The 77‑cap former England star argues there’s no need to replace the head coach now.
“He’s the right man for the job,” Haskell asserts.
Borthwick guided a 12‑match unbeaten run ahead of the 2026 Six Nations, and Haskell says the dip in form isn’t as dramatic as critics claim. For my money, that streak shows he still has the chops.
“It’s never as bad as you think, nor as good as you imagine,” he added.
“There’s plenty of talent, and without being a stats‑obsessed nerd, the numbers show we generate many chances,” he noted.
“During that 12‑game streak we entered the 22‑metre line 83 % of the time and forced opponents to concede points,” he explained.
“In defeats we created similar chances but only scored on less than 33 % of them,” Haskell pointed out.
“Those are the fine margins,” he concluded.
Will Pollock’s X‑factor translate into a regular England berth?
He also highlighted the ego and flair of emerging back‑row Henry Pollock.
The Northampton Saints forward, who became the first union player to sign with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency in March, may see more England caps soon.
“He definitely brings an X‑factor to his play,” Haskell said.
“He’s the most talked‑about player right now, stirring debate – that’s what fuels the sport,” Haskell claimed.
“When given game time he delivers; I’m eager to see him earn more England opportunities,” he added.
“His style could shake up the traditionally stoic upper‑echelon fans who prefer modest, ego‑tamed stars,” Haskell observed.
“If someone can fuse that energy, raise the profile and nurture superstars like Pollock, England will be in a great position,” he concluded.