ENGLAND'S DREAM PATH BACK TO THE TOP! 2031 World Cup Glory?Optimistic...or Deluded?

[@PaulBrooks-n3y]

You just know he is going to go with Chessum at 6 for the Six Nations, but I think we all want to see Ted Hill.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

Judging by the reports today in the Telegraph & Guardian, not only did Senor Sweeney get his bonus but 4 other RFU executives (at least) got bonuses totaling 1.1 million pounds!!! Newcastle Rugby are apparently up for sale, with mounting financial losses. The reality is (to me at least) that the chances of English Rugby targeting World Cup glory in '31 are very long odds against, so long as this current RFU Board remain in situ. Difficult to see what the long term plans are, what metrics are being used to gauge progress, and who is actually overseeing this process. The financial picture of Premiership Rugby is little better. I am not questioning the availability of talent in English Rugby - it's quite obviously there. What is missing is the structure to develop and improve that talent. Without that, England will continue to struggle to take advantage of these new players.

[@jharwood9795]

I think the issue I have with this video is that it's under the premise that the fresh blood will get the chance for 2027. Borthwick clearly doesnt trust the inexperienced players in the EPS. How many years have we gone round in circles with the same conversations. England have won 1 grandslam since winning the world cup 21 years ago - it's not good enough and the media class need to be calling out those in power.

[@Bradley-b4d]

Spot on 👍

[@WillDugdale-me2ko]

IFW, Sleightholme, Mitchell, Roebuck, Fin Smith, Opoku-Fordjour, Cunningham-South (and probably more that’s off the top of my head) all inexperienced, all made a part of the team under Borthwick

[@jmurphy9657]

"But we are rebuilding", "We are implementing a new system" 🥱 Seems like a constant cycle. SB will play the same tried and tested combinations (and in some case, they've been found wanting) until we are a year out from the WC, at which point we will get a couple of key injuries and then be scrambling to fill the void with players drafted in with no international experience. They wont gel, results wont go our way, the RFU will say "What do you expect, hes having to use inexperienced players" and then post WC everyone will pat each other on the back and the cycle will repeat.

[@rob.1]

CCS isn't it, mate. Impact off the bench at best. Can't keep hold of the ball.

[@PaulBrooks-n3y]

Who picks JVP over Ben Spencer?!

[@andrewpiearcey3440]

I would have Cleaves in there, he is electric.

[@panelectric8460]

Saw your comment, watched his YT highlights . Bloody ‘ell ! Robinsonesque accelerando .

[@thehum1000]

We got plenty of good players, they just cant gel together whoever's picked

[@simoncoleman5408]

Until Borthwick is replaced by an elite coach and the policy of excluding non-Premiership players from England selection is scrapped, we're not going to win anything. Borthwick has conned the RFU into thinking he's an elite coach in the making. After 2 years we can surely see that that isn't the case.

[@jmurphy9657]

I think the RFU are very happy with the appointment. No longer needing to "fight" against a personality like EJs.

[@TheFiremansam22]

George Hendy will be starting then

[@peterweston189]

That all looks great. I'd love to see Ted Hill at least get a chance, or Tom Pearson. The propping situation may be more promising, but the centers need work.

[@fohunter12345]

Apart from maybe Marcus Smith no English player makes a world 15. This is not a criminally misused golden era of players in my opinion. Either Borthwick is no good or maybe the players at his disposal aren't quite as good when they face quality opposition eg Springboks and All Blacks

[@sisyphusonlunch5541]

I hope the actual front row turns out to be better than yours Rich, the scrum needs to go up about 2 levels from where it is now - so we need to pray that both Fasogbon and Apoko-Fordjour turn out to be world class scrummagers and that a better hooker comes through (Jibulu?), there's no way we're winning the WC with Cowan-Dickie no arms tackling everyone.

[@dazeng4633]

Agreed, Cowan Dickie is as stupid as they come.

[@PaulBrooks-n3y]

I just don't think Borthwick has the required judgement when it comes to selection. That won't change. We should put a selection panel above him or replace him.

[@Gilan4983]

Unfortunately I cannot see Borthwick getting the sack now, as the recent stories about Sweeney have shown incompetence is not considered as a negative by the RFU. IMO we should prioritise getting Jack Willis into the team- change the policy on overseas selction, pay him a million quid (maybe out of sweeneys bonus), I don't care just get him. He is a Wallis Sititi type player who we badly need. Then build as team around JW, Marcus and IFW as we move forward

[@06alepea1]

Borthwick has given 9 debuts so far in 2024…

[@kev63inuk]

Giles I just love your post. Agree especially regards Willis. I’m being serious when I say if I was in sweeneys position I would pay jack Willis out of my own pocket. Missus wouldn’t be happy but I brought her a car this year so tough. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@rawndoug4102]

He needs to just pick off of tried and tested combinations made by club -like the Northampton backline and adapting to a bath backrow

[@robinlambert3917]

The A squad is best hope for 2027 let alone 2031.. but we need A top defence and Attack coaches😮

[@oliverallan81]

Whats the general consensus on jamie george? For me he doesnt offer much in the loose anymore and generally gets subbed by the hour mark. I think theo dan should start (fitness and form permitting)

[@kenrehill8775]

Brings nothing to the table. But is seen as a good bloke by his team mates. Because the English culture is that losing is ok.

[@henryherbert]

You said Jack Willis at 8 but I guess you meant Tom as is on screen? I like the look of that team - would be robust and exciting. Would love to see Farrell, Evans and Edwards in charge too!

[@rugbyanalyst]

Yes I meant Tom Willis

[@hafidkouloun6405]

Man some England fans are just like "Sack Robinson! Sack Ashton! Sack Johnson! Sack Lancaster! Sack Jones! Sack Borthwick! Sack, sack & sack... Don't be surprised if in the near future no one would want to coach England!

[@IverKnackerov]

If england adopted the same attitude as NZ and SA, then every coach since Woodward has failed. So why not get rid of them.

[@jmurphy9657]

Whats the alternative? Continue losing?

[@PaulBrooks-n3y]

If he has any logic he would build his backline around Saints and go with Mitchell, Fin Smith, Dingwall, Furbank and Freeman.

[@rob.1]

Some interesting comments. We seem to always point the finger at the coaches, and rarely at the players. Surely we have enough evidence since 2003 to show that our players simply aren't good enough? We've already had most of your dream coaching team as coaches, and sacked them for not being good enough... Constantly banging the drum for the next big thing is daft. We see Radwan score 3 tries last season, and everyone wants him in the squad then, but no one mentions him now. Now Tom Willis has run through 5 tackles, and he's the future, despite being one dimensional and like an 8 from 10 years ago. Ted Hill is sent home from every training camp, and people seem to believe it's a conspiracy. No one ever seems to come to the obvious conclusion that these guys aren't good enough? The premiership is an entertaining, but poor quality league. The standard this year is as low as it has ever been.

[@neilcarpenter2669]

I disagree with the people who don't think Borthwick is a good coach in my opinion and many others he is a very good coach however I'm not sure he is a good selector and getting the selection right is very important if you want to have consistently good performance I really think that a Director of Rugby would challenge some of his opinions and be very beneficial to England in the long term. The bottom line is that if you don't pick the best players you will probably fail regardless of how good the coaches are , the art is identifying the best players which isn't always easy as has been shown in English sport for a long period of time.

[@dazeng4633]

Good coach for the lineout. That's it. I take your overall point though. He's a good coach, not a good Head coach or manager. Proof of this is giving Ford a central contract. Ridiculous.

[@thehum1000]

England will be lucky to finish 3rd in 6N prob 4th, and then England will gp backwards from then on.

[@peterp9918]

Love your optimism and I can't wait to see how good Offiah is going to be if he's knocking Sleighthome out of the team.

[@PaulBrooks-n3y]

From the moment Borthwick took over, it felt like a continuation of Jones by other means, as far as selection was concerned.

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

As an irish fan I hope eng stick with Borthwick as he has an amazing ability to turn what is an excellent group of players into an above average team

[@chrismawby1805]

I don’t mind if Borthwick stays, I just want to see some very good youngsters given a chance, also get rid of the silly restrictions on foreign based players. Or alternatively sack the RFU staff.

[@samrushin2476]

I would like to subscribe to this timeline.

[@RaceLab37]

Yes, let's have Farrell!

[@kgothimokonyka245]

Hi Steve, Did you improve your Lightning and the Camera is it a 2K, 4K or 8K Your video really looks Great to?

[@Timshears]

Like the thinking!

[@PaulWhite-m2s]

Thanks for the forecast! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (alarm fetch churn bridge exercise tape speak race clerk couch crater letter). What's the best way to send them to Binance?

[@Michael-rj1jb]

1. Sack Borthwick.

[@janhbhugo5085]

There is hope !

[@owenfarmer4197]

Willis has to be in the squad shift earl to centre

[@iainhughes6637]

Even with your choice strength in depth is poor, compare the front row to the SA front row, still no strength in depth at 8 and IC that are proven. This run down of the team is the same I have heard for the last 25 years! The issue is not players it’s the structure, your right the RFU will not get rid of Borthwick ecause as usual their is no one being brought in to take over, as for the players, there is no strength in depth in many positions because the prem is full of players that can never play for England! Which will lead to the usual underperforming at the WC

[@timwood9881]

What about Henry Arundell, on the wing?

[@darthmaul408]

Rich, you are a glutton for punishment. I admire your 2027 team, but I think there are a few names that won’t get near the team. Not because they won’t deserve it, but it would be a massive shift in selection policy. On another note, I was just thinking about the 6 nations 2025 team for the opener. 15: Furbank 14: Feyi-Waboso 13: Freeman 12: Lawrence 11: Sleightholme 10: F. Smith 9: Mitchell 1: Genge 2: George 3: Stuart 4: Itoje 5: Martin 6: Chessum 7: Underhill 8: Earl 16: Dan 17: Obano 18: Opoku-Fordjour 19: Hill 20: T.Willis 21: Spencer 22: M.Smith 23: Ibitoye I’ve tried to be realistic in a Borthwickian way whilst adding ‘finishers’ on the bench. That bench would add impact. Marcus Smith covers 10 and 15, Freeman can cover centre, wing and at a push fullback, Furbank can at an absolute push cover 10 which means there’s room for Ibitoye on the bench.

[@paulballard7899]

Farrell and Edwards at the helm, for England ? Thats a world cup winning set up right there.

[@James-o2u9x]

Somebody else mentioned this guy but I looked him up and he s said he s interested in a code change. Dom Young. Looks amazing. Obviously Ted Hill converts to 12 and we re all set.

[@andrews1289]

My own working theory is Borthwick is a bit insecure in his coaching abilities so prefers having inexperienced coaches around him who won't question him. That's also why Jones and Walters have left. Borthwick has gone for evolution rather than revolution. I dont think he or is his team are good enough to compete with the best and posisbly the players we have available aren't either. Like your dream scenario. A long term plan makes sense which is why the RFU won't do it 😂

[@jmurphy9657]

Summer of 2026 is far too late new blood, with the annual calendar including roughly 11 first class tests meaning that new players might have a handful of caps at international level with even fewer in what will be new combinations. But loving the optimism, unfortunately I cant see the RFU hiring someone like Farrell or Edwards...far too outspoken. Also, if Ol' Bill Sweeney achieved his performance related bonus then I'm sure SB can argue he's entitled to it as well.

[@SVAgxlxxi]

hendy starting at 15 with hodge on the bench. arundell and ben loader returns to england too ;)

[@JustSavageThings]

You should be talent recruitment manager for England Rugby

[@nojosm]

Ring ring ring thats your alarm clock Rich !!!

[@davemills8511]

Your front row 😱 Arundell?

[@neilmontgomery3470]

Your sound is well off!

[@Grayson_Baker]

The defense coach is just not good enough. He us in charge of a 2nd division French side who are 14/16. He should be nowhere near a international set up. Even though we missed targets the heads of the RFU got paid bonuses.

[@Pauld42]

13 is crucial....if you have scope for a good 13, you've got it right.

[@rob.1]

Not had a reliable and settled centre partnership for 20 years unfortunately.

[@PhonruediHaynes]

I love your coaching team but I can't see the RFU organising a good coaching team I hope I am proven wrong

[@andreemurray7039]

Not a chance the RFU are unless greedy I fear that England will go down hill they won't give young players a chance stick with the same players

[@AAA-ld3ww]

No Dan Cole!?!?!

[@janhbhugo5085]

RFU made a very very big mistake ! Problem is they don’t know it ! Feel sorry for the players because England have enough very good players

[@paulmellon7598]

Just a quiet thought from a Scotland supporter (no aggro I promise) who isn't enjoying the 'full English' brekkie on selection issues. Part of the problem I feel is the historical (or should I say hysterical) constant sense of entitlement to win? This leads to instant calls for coaches in all sports to be sacked when they have new and less experienced players to choose from. Just look at Wales and the rubbish being directed Warren G's way since his previous success! Alun Wynn, George North, Leigh Halfpenny - you can't just replace a generation like that quickly and shouldn't expect to if you have a brain between your ears. No disrespect to the current England squad, but I can't help but feel the potential for using the 6 Nations and Autumn Nations to prioritise some of the successful Under 20s talent would be a sensible move? England are perhaps the strongest team in this category, so get them in the mix now, ahead of 2027. Sacrificing the 2025 competitions for player experiments seems smart to me at this stage. The media will still go for the jugular regardless, but if England Rugby set out their stall now so everyone knows the plan, what's not to like?

[@Bradley-b4d]

Let's get real here Borthwicks and his team of coaches are clearly out of their depth at international level. Plus i think most of the England players are over rated. Have many of the backs would get in the British Lions team probably one and that's Marcus Smith i can't see in England doing well in the six nations i think we will finish third from bottom in the championship there defense his not good enough and ball handling skills are work in progress 🏉🏉🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🧐

[@HeidiLandRover]

Don't you want Jérôme Daret as coach? :-)

[@nigel4425]

Deluded! Apart from anything else... No place for Daly???

[@admiralbenbow5083]

This is tedious. We have been talking about the ```future``` since 2003. I am pi--ed off, jaded, bored and fed up with all the BS and I do not give a sh-t anymore.

[@michaeltrumper]

Arundell might also be in the mix. Racing is a bit of a shit show right now but he should be putting his hand up

[@davidwalker2402]

England have the players, they don’t have the coach, if the lose to Ireland and France in the 6 nations Bortwick should go . If the don’t come second in the 6 nations he should go. The only thing we have really seen from bortwick is coaches won’t work with him. I think after what England did to Andy Farrell and his son I don’t believe he will ever go back to England job.

[@nikpawlowski3610]

No chance this happening unfortunately!

[@rogerkirkham2119]

Not a bad side, BUT after all your raving about him, where's Ted Hill??????

[@Andy-Capp]

The four year World Cup cycle is wasted by England everytime. We keep people for the first 2 years then start bringing in new players. Put these youngsters in at the start of the 4 years and let them grow. Obviously if a bolster comes along late in the cycle then get him in as well. This way the youngsters have 4 years international experience at the next World Cup.

[@peterlangan1181]

England winning the next World Cup? The Boks and All Blacks will have a say in that. The Boks have a massively deeper depth of talent, especially as Rugby is now popular among all South Africans. I back Rassie to do it again. The big threat will be Razors AB’s. Not England.

[@mhoppy6639]

RFU having a plan after Borthwick? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 In other news, how fall have England fallen when “ok” scrummaging which exceeds expectations is a positive? That is not an England side.

[@dazeng4633]

Real issue this country has ALWAYS had is Rugby is the preserve of the wealthy. Look at virtually every state school and you just dont see rugby posts anymore. The RFU made those responsible for spotting talent in these areas redundant. Total disgrace

[@owenfarmer4197]

O’Gara would never manage England not for all the money on the bank of Ireland.

[@Camcolito]

Sure he would, it's not a very attractive job generally though. Only get grief and inflated expectations.

[@librapower7810]

Players career time being wasted with poor selections , tactics and inexperienced coaching , haven't the rfu wasted enough money and time on selecting poor head coaches.