England told to sack head coach amid disastrous run with World Cup on horizon – despite backing

Steve Borthwick must be sacked following another humiliating defeat to leave England on course for their worst-ever Six Nations.

That’s the view of talkSPORT co-host Shaun Custis, who has slammed the Red Rose over their 23-18 defeat away at Italy on Saturday.

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It’s the first time that Azzurri have beaten England in what was their 33rd attempt dating back to 1991.

And while it was party time for the hosts in Rome, it was another reminder as to how far England are from winning their first Six Nations since 2020.

Confidence was high going into the tournament this year with England finishing second in 2025 – one point behind champions France.

After an opening defeat to Ireland in their Six Nations opener, England proceeded to win their next 11 Test matches in 2025.

It was 12 victories on the spin after they emphatically dismantled rivals Wales in the opening weekend last month – winning 48-7 to give fans hope of a historic Grand Slam.

But they have been blown away by Scotland, Ireland and Wales in recent weeks to leave them in fifth place.

England have suffered three losses in a row for the first time since the 2024 Autumn Internationals.

While they have lost three matches in a single Six Nations for the first time since 2023.

And it is the first time in eight years that they have been defeated in three successive Six Nations fixtures.

Should England lose to France in Paris next weekend, it would be the first time they have ever lost on four occasions in Six Nations history.

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, question marks are being raised as to whether Borthwick is the right man to lead England – despite guiding them to third-place in the 2023 edition.

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AFP

In wake of England’s humiliation at the Stadio Olimpico, the Rugby Football Union have given Borthwick their full backing.

Insisting that a full examination into England’s performances will take place, the RFU expressed their confidence that the ex-Leicester Tigers head coach can turn things around.

But when speaking about Borthwick’s future on the Sunday Edition, Custis declared that there has to be a parting of ways.

Asked by fellow co-host Henry Winter as to whether his time should be over, Custis said: “Out. As we always say, no football manager would survive that.

“Even if he had a great 12-match winning streak as he had, he’s lost three in three weeks.”

Custis then expressed sympathy for Borthwick over England’s ill-discipline problem in 2026.

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Henry Arundell was given a red card after picking up two yellows in the defeat to Scotland – becoming the first man in Calcutta Cup history to be sent off.

While England were briefly down to 13 men against Italy after Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje were brandished second half yellow cards.

Custis remarked: “It [Borthwick’s situation] isn’t helped by being down to 14 men and 13 men all the time.

“But that’s indiscipline, sort it out!”

Winter then asked Custis if he will be calling for Borthwick’s head, leading him to say: “We’ll be suggesting it has to be thought about I think today.

“Off with his head.”