England need players able to change tactics during games
In his latest column, England World Cup winner Matt Dawson analyses England's record home defeat by Ireland and identifies areas for improvement ahead of the final two rounds of the Six Nations.
Remember two years ago when many predicted England would be beaten at home by 40 points against Ireland?
The narrative in this tournament rarely unfolds as expected. Teams often overperform while others falter under pressure. That unpredictability is part of the Six Nations' appeal.
That anticipated heavy defeat in 2024 never materialised. Instead, England stunned a Grand Slam-chasing Ireland with a last-play victory, winning 23-22.
Fast forward two years, with expectations considerably lower, and Ireland delivered a record away win.
Andy Farrell's side approached the match with the mindset to achieve a historic victory, bringing the necessary tactics and accuracy.
The 21-point margin at Allianz Stadium boiled down to tactics and decision-making. England made numerous mistakes, partly due to attempting to play the match like a game of chess.
The problem with this approach was the inability to adapt their style dynamically during the game.
The tactical battle between coaches Andy Farrell and Steve Borthwick was won by Farrell, but England require players on the field capable of adjusting tactics as the game progresses.
England have struggled to deviate from the game plan set by Borthwick, with any alterations typically only implemented at half-time.
Given the talent and previous winning streak, Dawson expected England to adapt more effectively.
"Why do teams play with a high tempo against them? Because England are good."
It appeared England underestimated that other teams could replicate Scotland's attacking style from the previous week.
This was uncharacteristic for England, but such lapses occur under stress.
They lacked the senior Lions mentality necessary to navigate difficult situations. Over the past two weeks, the question remains: where were the decision-makers?
Both defence and attack needed adjustments within the first quarter, yet England waited 40 minutes before making changes, by which time they had conceded 22 points.
England possess strong leadership, but Maro Itoje—who is expected to improve with more game time—cannot shoulder the responsibility alone.
He expects his fellow leaders to step up, especially as he is not currently finishing games.
Players like Ollie Chessum could contribute ideas to improve the line-out, while Freddie Steward, with his vantage point at full-back, could provide insights on attacking spaces.
The squad remains unchanged from the 12-game winning streak and consists of very capable rugby players.
Ellis Genge was honest and brave in his assessment, but I do not feel let down by England.
Genge apologised to England fans following the heavy defeat to Ireland.
'Start Fin Smith and Van Poortvliet'
England are capable of winning in Rome and Paris.
The recent loss should not prompt wholesale changes for the upcoming Italy game, as Borthwick's consistent selection has been key to their success.
Despite an upcoming rest week, the three-game block is demanding, but England have sufficient depth.
Dawson suggests refreshing the half-back positions by introducing Fin Smith and Jack van Poortvliet.
Alex Mitchell's injury may provide an opportunity for Van Poortvliet, but Dawson wants to offer new opportunities to key decision-makers in an away Six Nations fixture.
Smith is a confident player who started at fly-half in last year's Six Nations and will be eager to demonstrate his ability to adapt during matches.
Full-back George Furbank is another intelligent player capable of spotting attacking space; Dawson wants to see him play as he will be motivated to prove his value.
On the wings, Dawson would select Tom Roebuck and Henry Arundell, whose attacking skills suit a free-flowing game in Rome.
In the back row, Dawson felt England lacked balance against Ireland.
He would consider bringing Henry Pollock off the bench to inject energy, a strategy he endorses.
Introducing fresh perspectives from players outside the immediate pressure environment could yield long-term benefits.
For more information, see Six Nations fixtures, results, standings, and how to follow on the BBC.
Questions arise about whether Borthwick is under pressure following the heavy defeat.
Ruthless Ireland secured a record away win over England, while Scotland staged a comeback in Cardiff.
England thrived being the 'underdog'
The current narrative suggests England have not won big away games in 2025. However, they have beaten the teams before them and demonstrated they are a strong side.
Like a skilled golfer, England may be tinkering too much, which has significant consequences.
The progress up to the Scotland game was sufficient for World Cup ambitions, but the team is experimenting with unnecessary changes.
Following a challenging 2024, England used their underdog status to their advantage.
They won in Argentina with a young squad and defeated New Zealand in November. It becomes more difficult when a team is recognised as a top contender.
England were approaching that status after a dominant win over Wales, prompting other Six Nations teams to prepare extraordinary measures to defeat them.
That is exactly what happened, and Borthwick's team must better manage heightened expectations.
The pressure is different now, as the past month has focused on the Six Nations and the possibility of winning it, which is exhausting.
Finding the energy to exceed expectations as an underdog is easier than maintaining that spark when expected to win.
Such results will occur every year and are inevitable.
It remains possible that England could go to Paris and beat France. What would the narrative be then?
Nothing suggested Ireland could win by over 20 points, yet it happened.
"Emotional" Dawson criticises England's mentality
