defeats

There followed punishing defeats by England, France and the Netherlands, with competitive losses to Spain and the Euro 2024 humbling at the hands of the hosts on the opening night in Munich.

Borthwick's side have lost five of their past six matches, including narrow defeats by New Zealand and Australia this autumn.

England have lost their past four matches, including narrow defeats in their opening two autumn Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

"England come off two narrow defeats, but the quality of their performances was good in both matches, so we know the size of the challenge," he added.

This includes finishing bottom of the Six Nations for the first time in 21 years, summer defeats against South Africa and Australia and now a first loss against Fiji in Cardiff.