"The rigid gameplan that was supposed to evolve to suit the players available has been increasingly rumbled and results have spiralled downwards. As their hosts France prepare to try to clinch back-to-back Six Nations titles for the first time since 2007, England will do well to avoid finishing in the bottom two."
"While France lost 50-40 in Scotland last Saturday, 24 tries in four games underlines their counterattacking threat. England, by contrast, have been significantly less ruthless in the opposition 22 but their body language has been speaking loudest. For whatever reason, English confidence has either dried up or is stuck on a container ship somewhere near the strait of Hormuz."
England returns to the Stade de France nearly 29 months after reaching the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final, but their circumstances have dramatically changed. The gameplan that once seemed promising has become increasingly predictable and has been rumbled by opponents. Results have spiraled downward, and England now risks finishing in the bottom two of the Six Nations. France, despite losing to Scotland, demonstrates a potent counterattacking threat with 24 tries in four games. England's body language and confidence have deteriorated significantly. The upcoming match against France represents a crucial opportunity for England to reverse their fortunes and restore belief in the squad.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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