"Miserable start" - Three England Players Who Have Underperformed Under Steve Borthwick

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The RFU board are understood to be convinced that Steve Borthwick is the right man for the role having replaced Eddie Jones in December, but they accept it may be a struggle against the likes of France and Ireland.

Several big names have underperformed for England in the opening two rounds, whose significant squad shake up under the new head coach has failed to provide the desired results or performances to date.

Here are three England pllayers who are massively underperforming this Six Nations.

Age: 31

Position: Fly-half/Centre

Average rating: 6 (Mail Online)

With his goal kicking success at an all-time low, the England skippers form has not replicated his club form with Saracens.

Farrell is in need of a big performance against France to shut up the vocal section of fans who want Marcus Smith to displace Farrell.

Will Farrell be at his sharpshooting best in Round Four, against France at Twickenham?

vs Scotland - 6/10: "Couple of big hits on Finn Russell and involved in England’s best attacking moments."

vs Italy - 6/10: "Looked comfortable at No 10 but kicking stunted attacks in the second half. Goal kicking must improve."

vs Wales - 6/10: "Not best day with the kicking tee but ran England’s improved attack with aplomb."

Age: 24

Position: Fly-half

Average rating: 5 (Mail Online)

The 24-year-old is into his second Six Nations and the same questions remain from his initial arrival to the international scene in 2021.

Can he turn the flashes of terrific talent into consistent end product?

The answer appear no closer after an underwhelming start to the 2023 campaign, one which has seen the Quins playmaker dropped for the more experienced Owen Farrell.

Playing less than a minute against Wales, and being dropped for George Ford for last weeks training camp, have summed up a miserable start to the Six Nations for Smith.

vs Scotland: "Gave it a crack but always looks a bit too frenetic and rushed at this level." - 5/10

Age: 24

Position: Fullback

Average rating: 5 (Mail Online)

It hasn’t worked out. The most noteworthy thing about the London Irish speedster has been his groovy nail-polish rather than anything he has produced on the field.

He touched the ball only twice before being substituted against Italy, with his replacement Henry Arundell scoring with his first touch.

vs Scotland - 5/10: "First touch was poor and second one was a boot, went looking for work."

vs Ireland - 5/10: "Quiet. Only touched the ball twice. Still awaiting time and space to run."