England coach Steve Borthwick has spent much of the last year taking positives from close defeats so he was not in the mood to apologise for his side's stuttering display in their 16-15 Six Nations victory over Scotland on Saturday.

Steve Borthwick has said his team "found a way to win a tactical arm-wrestle" as England edged Scotland 16-15 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

England head coach Steve Borthwick says it is important for his side to "enjoy" their 16-15 win over Scotland in the Six Nations.

England are showing a newfound resilience, but Steve Borthwick had Finn Russell's right boot to thank for victory over Scotland.

Head coach Steve Borthwick says England are a "very different" side to the one which was beaten by Scotland in last year's Calcutta Cup meeting.

Lock Ollie Chessum will make his first start of this year's Six Nations against Scotland on Saturday after coach Steve Borthwick opted for his lineout skills over the bulk of George Martin, who moves to the bench,

England coach Steve Borthwick watches his players warm-up before the Six Nations rugby union match between England and Scotland at Twickenham in London, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

However, former Wales and Lions No.10 Dan Biggar has now urged Borthwick to change his tactics, accusing him of stifling the play of half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. He also argued that criticism from supporters shouldn’t be aimed at the players themselves.

If that was a kick in the guts he suffered more from England bosses Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick who cold-shouldered him consistently from his debut in 2018. Hill made his debut against Japan seven years ago and won a second cap against USA in 2021 but was left on the shelf until coming off the bench in last week’s 16-15 Calcutta Cup win.

England’s two 2003 World Cup-winning centres have weighed in, with Will Greenwood telling The Telegraph the Slade-Lawrence combo “lacks pace” and “Scotland exposed them numerous times, with Tommy Freeman forced to bite in – which he should not have done.”

Brian O’Driscoll has hit out at the “negative” game plan of England head coach Steve Borthwick after they escaped with a victory over Scotland. The Ireland legend admits that he’s struggling to comprehend why the Red Rose boss is limiting individuals who play an expansive style for their clubs.

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