Will Greenwood Urges Steve Borthwick to Make FOUR Major England Backline Changes

That was the brutal reality at Allianz Stadium as Ireland out-thought, out-fought and outclassed England — and left serious questions for Steve Borthwick ahead of Rome.

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In his Telegraph column, Will Greenwood did not hold back. “Sorry England were so dismal, so disappointing, and in such disarray,” he wrote. The first half? “One of the worst in recent memory… probably the worst 40 minutes in Borthwick’s tenure.”

Italy are next. England have never lost to the Azzurri. On this evidence, that record is under threat.

Here are the FOUR backline changes Greenwood says must happen now.

Greenwood didn’t dance around it.

“Fin Smith has to start at fly-half.”

George Ford, usually England’s metronome, looked rattled. “Ford frequently looked like a rabbit in the headlights,” Greenwood wrote. And he wasn’t alone — but when your 10 misfires, the whole system splutters.

Ireland, orchestrated superbly by Jamison Gibson-Park, played with control and clarity. England played in silos.

The Ford–Fraser Dingwall axis lacked cohesion. “The connection… was unwieldy,” Greenwood added. England didn’t look comfortable on the ball and, crucially, failed to convert pressure into points.

If Borthwick wants tempo, composure and a reset in Rome, Fin Smith is the call.

Greenwood was equally clear at full-back.

George Furbank “must come in” for Freddie Steward after Steward was hooked in the first half — a damning indictment.

England’s edge defence was, in Greenwood’s words, “abject, awful.” The spacing was wrong. The connection non-existent. Quick ball killed them.

Ireland mastered the “three Cs — constant motion, communication and connection.” England were “clunky, clumsy and cumbersome.”

Steward’s strengths under the high ball are obvious, but England need more distribution and fluidity from the backfield. Greenwood questioned the side’s overall ball-playing ability, adding: “You would not pick a lot of this team, certainly the pack, on your side for a game of touch on the beach.”

Furbank offers tempo and second-receiver instincts. England need both.

The midfield remains a puzzle — and Greenwood admits it.

“I am not sure what England’s best midfield combination is – and that is part of the issue.”

But one thing is certain: change is required.

Max Ojomoh should start at 12 alongside Ollie Lawrence, replacing Fraser Dingwall.

Ford looked flustered. The distribution chain broke down. Lawrence and Steward are not natural distributors, meaning England’s designated ball-players “simply cannot afford to have a bad day at the office.”

Against Ireland, too many did.

England have conceded 73 points in their last two matches. Defensive disconnects, tackle-technique issues and a total inability to shut down quick ruck ball have exposed the midfield.

Italy will target it.

If you can’t get your flyers into space, what’s the point?

That’s Greenwood’s argument.

Tom Roebuck “must replace” Henry Arundell on the wing.

Arundell thrives on broken-field chaos and clean ball in space. England provided neither. If the structure isn’t generating opportunities, Greenwood believes Roebuck “deserves the shirt.”

This isn’t just about individuals. It’s about urgency.

“Under pressure, you do not rise to the level of your expectations, you sink to the level of your training,” Greenwood wrote.

England looked disjointed. Error count high. Defence hesitant. Attack uncomfortable. “Quick ball kills England because they are too slow to react.”

Italy in Rome now looms large.

Borthwick has decisions to make — and not much time to make them.