England need a 'different mindset' - Borthwick

2 years ago 59

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Marcus Smith is tackled against Scotland

Dates: 2 February-16 March
Coverage: Selected matches on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer with live text commentary and BBC radio commentary on every match

England need to approach the Six Nations with a "different mindset" to improve their results, says head coach Steve Borthwick.

England, who finished fourth last campaign, have not won the tournament since 2020.

However, Borthwick's side came third in the World Cup, only losing to South Africa by a point in the semi-finals.

"The team is really well aware that we haven't performed in the Six Nations for a period of time," Borthwick said.

"We want this to be a different mindset for England, a different way of approaching the game and the tournament. We will approach our camp in Girona differently.

"We're taking a different approach because we need different results to previous tournaments."

The World Cup semi-finalists have been slow starters in recent campaigns having not won their opening Six Nations fixture since victory over Ireland in 2019.

England suffered a 29-23 defeat by Scotland at Twickenham last year, which was their third loss in a row against Gregor Townsend's side in the opening fixture.

Their opener in next month's Six Nations is away against Italy on 3 February.

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"What's happened in the past is that lots is talked about England prior to the tournament, but England haven't then achieved," added Borthwick.

"Our intent is to hit the ground running in Rome the way we want with the intensity that we want to, which again is something that England have not done in recent years.

"At times we have not jumped into this tournament and have been caught in that first game."

England host Wales on 10 February in their second fixture, before a trip to Murrayfield follows on 24 February.

They then play Ireland at Twickenham on 9 March and finally travel to France on 16 March on the final weekend of the competition.

This means Borthwick's side avoid playing the Grand Slam champions Ireland and last season's runners-up France until the final two weekends.

"Ireland and France have been the dominant teams and everybody is trying to compete with those two sides," he said.