After defeat to South Africa in the world cup final in November, England are the bookmakers favourites heading into the 2020 six nations. But, is it that straightforward for the men wearing the red rose?

Although Eddie Jones has remained as head coach, there has been more disturbance to their coaching team with the renowned forwards coach Steve Borthwick announcing that he will be leaving the set up at the end of the year, to go to work for the Leicester Tigers. This isn’t the only turmoil in the camp, the Saracens salary cap saga, has the potential to rumble on into the opening weekend of fixtures. How does this impact on the harmony in the squad, Joe Marler already identified this being his main ammo in terms of banter as the squad assembled, there is not a team in the land that wouldn’t use this as their main source of fun to break the ice. Although, I can’t help but feel there will be some resentment between the Saracens players and players from their rivals, especially those from Exeter. I had a sneaky feeling the news of the impending news headlines regarding the salary cap breach played it’s part in England’s world cup final performance and it will be interesting to see how the squad blends together.

‘ The longer any of this resentment goes on, will detract from what we are trying to achieve as an England team….. We have got eight weeks to become as close as we can, we did that in Japan and it made a huge difference to how we performed on the field. ‘

Joe Marler explains the importance of team spirit in the England camp, in regards to individuals views on the Saracens situation.

On the pitch, there are also areas of concern for English fans. Let’s start with he back row, wonderfully balanced at the world cup with Tom Curry and Sam Underhill getting through so much work, and Billy Vunipola, who played every minute of the summer warm ups and world cup punching holes in defences. Vunipola has broken his arm for the fourth time, you have to consider his international workload as leading to his injuries. There has been no direct replacement selected by Eddie Jones, despite the domestic form of Alex Dombrandt of Harlequins and Sam Simmons of Exeter. The obvious lack of balance is there for all to see, Jones will likely pick Tom Curry at 8, an incredible athlete who will always do the job asked of him. This would then see one of Maro Itoje or Courtney Lawes being picked at 6 for a jumbo pack with three lineout options. But does this allow the Underhill and Curry combo to reap as much havoc as they were allowed to in 2019, plus, any team will miss a player like Vunipola.
Where do they pick Owen Farrell? As a 10? With Tuilagi and Slade? Or as a 12 with George ford at 10? This is usually key for England, but when this isn’t firing on all cylinders, it can cost England significantly. Anthony Watson appears on the injury list prior to the opening game against France, as does Jack Nowell, two world class wingers missing . Elliot Daly has been playing very well since moving to Saracens and Johnny may has elite speed, so they won’t be short of quality in the back three. Gloucester flyer Ollie Thorley is in line to win a first cap this year.

There is some new blood in the group and England have immense strength in depth, but, the Saracens issue will require some serious management from the players and coaches. A trip to Paris on the opening weekend, could be the closest ‘Le Crunch’ for a long time. My gut feeling is France will squeeze through this game, although England have the ability to control this and put France away. How happy is Eddie Jones camp after the world cup? Is his abrasive personality too much to bear after an intensive summer and autumn? Can the players ignore the salary cap issues? If the answers are positive, the bookies may be spot on….. But, maybe the turmoil will take it’s toll. I think England will end up runners up to France this year. The loss of three world class players before a ball has been kicked, could be too much to loose. The inevitable attrition rate during the competition could see England loose more world class players as the games go by. England missed their chance at a second world cup in November, they will want to avoid a hangover from that.

Fixtures
2.2.20 France (a) 15.00
8.2.20 Scotland (a) 16.45
23.2.20 Ireland (h) 15.00
7.3.20 Wales (h) 16.45
14.3.20 Italy (a) 16.45