Steve Borthwick's England face key selection questions ahead of World Cup

BBC Sport · 2026-10-26
Steve Borthwick's England face key selection questions ahead of World Cup

England head coach Steve Borthwick faces critical selection decisions with only nine matches remaining before the Rugby World Cup. The upcoming Nations Championship fixtures will serve as a vital testing ground for players vying for a spot in the final squad. With the clock ticking, Borthwick must balance experimentation with building cohesion among his core group. The pressure is on to identify the right combinations, particularly in key positions where competition is fierce. Every game now carries extra weight as Borthwick looks to settle on a team capable of challenging for the sport's biggest prize. The Nations Championship offers a platform for emerging talents to stake their claim, but it also risks disrupting established partnerships. How Borthwick manages this delicate balance could define England's World Cup campaign.