Captain shrugs off criticism

Borthwick under scrutiny after England's disappointing autumn

Last updated: 13th January 2009

Captain shrugs off criticism

Borthwick: Question marks over leadership skills

People have their views. By accepting the England captaincy you necessarily accept that people are going to hold you responsible. That's life.

Steve Borthwick
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England captain Steve Borthwick is not concerned about criticism of his leadership ahead of the RBS Six Nations.

Team manager Martin Johnson will name his final 32-man squad for the competition on Wednesday but has already confirmed his plan to stick with Borthwick as skipper, despite recent poor results.

England suffered defeats to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand during the autumn internationals, while notching just a solitary win against the Pacific Islanders.

Borthwick's role in those defeats - both his contribution in the second row and low-key leadership style - was the subject of heavy criticism from sections of the media and public.

Responsible

"People have their views," Borthwick told Sky Sports News. "By accepting the England captaincy you necessarily accept that people are going to hold you responsible. That's life.

"Virtually every England captain has had it (criticism)... that applies across the board not just in rugby.

"Captains get criticised when things go poorly and praised when things go well.

"It's very easy to captain a team that's winning."

England take on Italy at Twickenham on February 7 in their Six Nations opener.

Comments (3)

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Gareth Rackley says...

Haskell should be captain. Englands second row should be Shaw and Kennedy. Haskell has the arrogance and bloody-mindedness of Dallaglio and that attitude would be infectious within the squad, he could also do the job for the next 2 world-cups like Carling. He is genuinely world class and has proved this.

Posted 20:39 13th January 2009

Max Ward says...

Its all well and good naming Borthwick as captain, but based on recent form, I cannot see him making the England starting XV. Simon Shaw and Nick Kennedy would complement each other in the second row very well, so I can only see Borthwick as the bench warmer! I thing Lewis Moody should lead England in the 6 Nations - which is hard for me to say for I am a Northampton Saints supporter. He leads by example and thats what england need.

Posted 19:59 13th January 2009

Zena Beck says...

i suppose he will be the best since slice bread if england win a match give the man and team a chance

Posted 15:21 13th January 2009
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