Tom Roebuck: England's Six Nations loss to Italy was heartbreaking but squad still back Steve Borthwick ahead of France game
Following England's third consecutive Six Nations defeat and first ever to Italy, winger Tom Roebuck remains confident in coach Steve Borthwick; England will face France in the final round of the Six Nations on March 14 in Paris
Monday 9 March 2026 17:53, UK
England's Six Nations campaign hit a new low when they lost for the first time to Italy on Saturday, yet the squad still have faith in Steve Borthwick, according to Tom Roebuck.
England crumbled in Rome as they made it three consecutive losses - that after recording a 12-match winning streak, prompting rumblings of a Six Nations Grand Slam.
But wing Roebuck remains confident that, despite the difficult defeats, England can get back on form, starting with Saturday's Six Nations finale against France in Paris.
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"We are gutted. The fact we lost is heartbreaking," Roebuck said.
"Three on the bounce isn't great either but every time we go out onto that pitch we want to win for England. Unfortunately that hasn't happened over the last few games.
"As long as we get our mentality right and our mindset clear then there's no reason why we can't go and put it right.
"We have had some good, honest conversations and some clear review points to go after.
"We want to just get back to the England way and the best way can be.
"We are going to go [into the game against France] with the mindset to win every game we play for England. You want to win for your country."
![Steve Borthwick, England [PA Images]](https://e0.365dm.com/26/02/768x432/skysports-steve-borthwick-rugby-union_7173772.jpg?20260308205536)
But their loss to Italy has also put immense pressure on Borthwick. He has been backed by the RFU in the wake of the Italy embarrassment but doubts still remain ahead of summer fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Asked if the team still backs Borthwick, Roebuck insisted: "One hundred per cent. Steve's a fantastic coach, he's got around us as players and individuals to give us clear individual chats.
"The boys back him, I definitely back him. I want to make sure we put our best foot forward for him and everyone else."
England have not defeated France away since 2016 so face a tough job to avoid a fourth successive loss.
England last reached that inauspicious milestone in 2024 with five consecutive losses - although three of those were to a strong New Zealand side.
