England boss Steve Borthwick is “excited” about the World Cup despite the decline of the Six Nations

England finished fourth in the Six Nations table after losing 29-16 to Grand Slam winners Ireland in Dublin. Coach Steve Borthwick’s team now has less than six months to prepare for the World Cup in France. “I am excited about what these players can do for the World Cup.”

England boss Steve Borthwick is ‘excited’ about his side’s World Cup prospects despite a formidable Six Nations Championship campaign.

Borthwick’s side, who lost 29-16 to Grand Slam winners Ireland, finished fourth in the table with a record of two wins and three defeats for the third year in a row.

Although England’s performance in Dublin was a huge improvement on their 53-10 defeat by France a week earlier, there was no indication that they could be major contenders in this autumn’s World Championship.

“We’re going to debrief these six countries thoroughly, learn the lessons we take from them, and be clear about our direction going forward,” Borthwick said.

Please use the Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player

Ireland manager Andy Farrell was delighted to win a Grand Slam on home soil while England’s Steve Borthwick admitted his side had fallen short.

“The team is not where it could be and while we judge teams that have used this four-year cycle very well, that is not the position England is in.

“I can’t do anything about the past. I intend for us to work hard to put England in the best possible position and I’m excited about what these players can do for the World Cup.”

The former Leicester boss, who replaced Eddie Jones in December, is relishing the prospect of more time to work with his team over the coming months.

“We have a number of weeks to prepare [for the World Cup]. The players will then be conditioned to participate in international rugby and understand how we want to play.

Jimmy George won England’s second innings to 14 men

“That was five intense matches, and then you really only have one main training session a week.

“I’m looking forward to getting the chance to work with the players for a longer period of time. I think we’ve seen some growth here but we’ll see more in this preparation period.”

England led for most of the first half in Dublin through the first two of their three penalties by their captain Owen Farrell, but suffered a setback just before the turnaround when Freddie Steward was sent off for foul play.

As the full-back switched sides, his arm hit the head of Ireland’s Hugo Keenan, who was ducking to recover a loose ball, and referee Jaco Pepper issued a red card.

Freddie Steward was shown a red card by referee Jaco Pepper just before half-time

Despite being a kicker of relegation, England pushed the hosts all the way, scoring a try through Jimmy George before Ireland made it 29-16 – and the trophy.

“I was surprised if I’m being honest,” Farrell admitted, reflecting on the steward’s red card. “But it’s not up to us – we don’t make the rules, we don’t put them in place.”

“We don’t hear the process the referee goes through, we just had to accept it. The way we handled it after the red card was very good.

“We fought for each other. Unfortunately we didn’t get to the right side of the score, which is always disappointing in an England shirt.”