Sir Clive Woodward demands Steve Borthwick drops TWO major stars after Ireland humiliation

Sunday, 22 February 2026 at 07:42

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byRugby Rucker

Six Nations title hopefuls Ireland kept their bid alive in ruthless fashion with a record 42-21 away win over England at Allianz Stadium — and Sir Clive Woodward believes changes must now be made.

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The visitors, whose previous best winning margin at Twickenham was 17 points in 2022, ran in five tries to embarrass Steve Borthwick’s side and leave England licking their wounds after a chastening defeat.

Former World Cup-winning boss Clive Woodward did not hold back in his assessment — and has called for two major selection calls ahead of England’s clash with Italy.

Woodward calls for Furbank and Smith overhaul

Woodward revealed he had an unexpected encounter with George Furbank before kick-off — and doubled down on his belief that England must make a change at full-back.

He wrote in his Mail Online column.

“I was at Twickenham on Saturday and George Furbank came into the same hospitality box as me. I’d never met Furbank before, but he came over and said: ‘Thanks for picking me.’

I’ve been consistent in saying that Furbank has to be England’s full-back. He must be in the team at No 15 over Freddie Steward.”

That is the first switch Woodward would make for the Italy game — with Furbank replacing Freddie Steward at No 15.

And the former England chief also believes there is now a serious debate to be had at fly-half.

“Fin Smith is also now a strong contender to come in at No 10 to start ahead of George Ford.

That said, selection decisions aren’t going to change a huge amount for England. Borthwick has a huge amount of quality players at his disposal, it’s just that as a collective, they simply haven’t performed. Sometimes, that happens.”

‘Players don’t respond to shouting’

Despite the scale of the defeat, Woodward expects Borthwick to stay true to his personality rather than deliver a ferocious dressing-room backlash.

“Borthwick is a very calm and composed character, so he won’t be ranting and raving in the next week. That’s just his mantra.

"Many would believe shouting and screaming is the right way to respond to this hugely significant setback but that is not the nature of modern professional sport.

"Players don’t respond well to that these days.”

England’s Two Biggest Names Implode in Nightmare Ireland Defeat

Itoje and Ford were two of England’s six biggest underperformers on a chastening day at HQ.

Freddie Steward

The Leicester full-back endured an afternoon to forget. England rely on him to dominate the skies — he didn’t. Wobbly under the high ball, fortunate not to be punished for one costly spill that almost gifted Ireland a try, and then yellow-carded for a desperate infringement that handed the visitors momentum. Hooked before half-time in a ruthless call that spoke volumes.

Tom Curry

Back in the starting XV but unable to impose himself. Ireland controlled the breakdown, an area Curry usually relishes, and he struggled to swing momentum. There were flashes in wider channels and his work-rate never dipped, but England needed edge and authority — they didn’t get it. Substituted after 50 minutes with little lasting imprint on the contest.

Henry Arundell

A winger blessed with pace but short on impact. For the second week running, he looked uncertain under the high ball and hesitant when chances opened up. England needed incision out wide; instead they got indecision. A couple of promising carries came to nothing, and defensively he was exposed too often.

George Ford

A brutal afternoon for the 100-cap fly-half. Twice missing touch in the first half — one a glaring error — set the tone and drew ironic cheers from the Twickenham crowd. His game management, usually so reliable, faltered, and England’s attack drifted as a result. Slight improvement later on could not mask an uncharacteristically poor showing.

Luke Cowan-Dickie

Dragged off after just 29 minutes in a damning indictment. The lineout malfunctioned from the outset and confidence drained visibly. While he offered some energy in the loose, England never looked secure at set-piece with him throwing. A torrid cameo ended early as the coaches sou``ght stability.

Maro Itoje

A landmark 100th cap that turned into a nightmare. The lineout creaked, Ireland bullied the breakdown and England’s talismanic lock couldn’t wrest back control. Substituted after 55 minutes with the game slipping away — a rare afternoon where his influence barely registered. For a player of his stature, it was one of his poorest displays in an England shirt.