Steve Borthwick excited about England’s future with World Cup on horizon

England boss Steve Borthwick insists he is excited about his players’ World Cup potential as he begins a thorough inquest into an underwhelming Guinness Six Nations campaign.

England ended the championship with two wins and three defeats for the third successive year after suffering a 29-16 loss to Grand Slam champions Ireland in Dublin.

England’s display at the Aviva Stadium was vastly improved from the round-four Twickenham humiliation at the hands of France as they battled gamely against the world’s top-ranked team, despite losing full-back Freddie Steward to a red card just before half-time.

Yet results and performances over the past seven weeks have given little indication that Borthwick’s side will be a major force come this autumn’s global tournament in France.

The final standings.#GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/6CVRv49oje

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023

The former Leicester head coach, who replaced Eddie Jones in December, is looking forward to having more time to work with his squad and believes there are encouraging signs for the future.

“We’ll debrief this Six Nations thoroughly, we’ll take what lessons we take from it and be clear on our direction going forward,” said Borthwick.

“I’ve already said that there is a gap (to the top nations). The team is not where it could be and, while we’re judging against teams that have used this four-year cycle tremendously well, that’s not what has happened with England, that’s not the position England are in. I can’t do anything about the past.

“I intend we will be working really hard to put England in the best position possible and I’m excited about what these players can do for the World Cup.”

England finished fourth in the competition –