Steve Borthwick seems no closer to solving England’s identity crisis

A potential banana skin avoided and a victory secured was as much as could be made from England’s last game of the year.

In all honesty it was a procession even if Storm Bert threatened to blow Steve Borthwick’s battle-weary men off course. With Japan looking a shadow of their former selves, England were too strong and too comfortable from the outset.

If we are looking for positives regarding England’s progress, it is best not to dwell on Sunday’s game, nor those nip-and-tuck losses to the big three from the southern hemisphere this month.

Professional sport is a results-driven business and although the hosts came close throughout the autumn series and in the summer tour of New Zealand, they have been found wanting. Borthwick and his team can point to key moments and close calls, but the numbers do not lie.

England are still searching for their identity, not only in terms of style but also personnel. Take scrum-half, for instance. Ben Spencer had free rein at Twickenham and the coach’s support for the first two games, only to be unceremoniously dumped and sent home for the final two fixtures.

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He was replaced by Jack van Poortvliet in the starting XV, but even then everyone
is all too aware that Alex Mitchell seems to be the incumbent and will slot straight back in when fit.

There is also a serious debate to be had around fly-half. Fin Smith showed an excellent range of subtlety in his cameo against an albeit weak Japanese team.

Marcus Smith started in the position before shuffling to full-back, and has been a shining light for England in attack this autumn. He will undoubtedly be a key part of this England team but does his maverick style suit those around him who search for consistency and control from a fly-half?

The argument and discussion around each position, and itsincumbent and his potential replacement, are happening across almost all spots in the side.

This creates instability and uncertainty over the team’s identity, with no player sure of their place and supporters unsure of what to expect.

As Borthwick has tried to evolve the England side, their lack of winning results has meant tinkering with the engine to see what can kick-start it into life.

All of the swapping in and out has left those both inside and outside camp unsure if this is the most horsepower England have or if, with a few more touches, the team can accelerate further.

And now around the corner come Ireland, away in Dublin. This will be the biggest test of England’s Six Nations next year, as France and Scotland are at home. Ireland, too, are searching for their best form, having lost their character- defining talisman in Johnny Sexton.

However, after 28 games under Borthwick as head coach, England still feel unsure of themselves, their direction of travel and even exactly what they should be. After an autumn series of ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda’, it is now a Six Nations of ‘must’.

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