The six things Steve Borthwick must do to overhaul England and win the World Cup – with one year to go: Get Jack Willis and Shaun Edwards in, crack down on clubs, find midfield muscle… and a new captain?

The last time Steve Borthwick appeared in public was deep beneath the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Argentina.

Borthwick has been England’s head coach for almost four years, addressing the media hundreds of times, but this was his crankiest appearance of the lot. Asking about England’s four yellow cards in their chaotic 31-24 victory over the Pumas, I was on the receiving end of a rare, spiky Borthwick response.

‘I love it,’ he said. ‘You’re my negativity committee. It’s lovely coming in and talking to you again.’

Emotion is rare in Borthwick’s press conferences – to the frustration of many English fans – so his retort took everyone by surprise. So, on a positive note, I asked whether his team is on track to win the World Cup? ‘Wow!’ he said. ‘Positivity!’ But right now, most people’s answer to my question would be: ‘No.’

Borthwick said he was happy with the progress in his young squad in his final address, leaving those in the room in a state of bemusement. I enjoyed Borthwick’s change of character – a bolt of emotion can’t do any harm – but not everyone appreciated his tone.

England had just had their worst ever Six Nations, had lost to Italy for the first time, and had been walloped by the Springboks two weeks previously, in a thumping that showed just how far Borthwick’s side are from the top.

With Thursday marking one year to go until the World Cup, England are clinging on to fifth place in the world rankings. 

They are a long way off South Africa, New Zealand and France but the lopsided World Cup draw – Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Group F, followed by a likely last-16 clash with Italy – means they should avoid the heavyweight teams en route to next year’s final.

Despite that worst-ever Six Nations, the RFU have backed Borthwick with a token contract extension and now the focus is on how they can maximise their chances of an upset Down Under. A year out from the World Cup, this is what Borthwick needs to do to get England firing…

1. Flex their muscle

England are not blessed with world-class depth so keeping frontline players fit will be key. The likes of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Fin Smith are central to English hopes and Borthwick should take a hardline approach with clubs to ensure their stars are not overplayed.

England’s best players routinely go over their 30-game-a-season limit, increasing the risk of injury. It is a sorry reflection of an overcrowded fixture calendar.

Borthwick has the power to call the shots through the enhanced contracts and he should adopt a hardline approach over player availability. There is a high risk of angering clubs if Borthwick becomes too bullish over their selection, but it is a risk worth taking.

2. Fill the midfield hole

Despite being three years into the cycle, England have still not worked out their best backline combinations.

No13 is one of their biggest problem positions. Ollie Lawrence has dropped out of the squad altogether and needs to rediscover his top-end speed for Test rugby. 

Tommy Freeman has been pulled around the backline but he remains the squad’s best winger – unless the likes of Noah Caluori or George Hendy can break through at Test level. 

Henry Slade is the latest incumbent of the jersey but Borthwick has never been entirely convinced by the Exeter star, who was left out of the 2023 World Cup squad. 

Joe Marchant is now eligible for selection after returning from France and he could be fast-tracked if he discovers his best form at Sale.

3. Give Edwards a chance 

France’s decision to terminate Shaun Edwards’ contract has left some people questioning the Englishman’s stock. Yet there is no question he brings a winning mentality and has a wealth of insight on one of England’s biggest rivals.

As Ben Kay said this week: ‘If you speak to anyone who has worked with Shaun, they all say he made you feel you could do something that little bit more. That can be invaluable.’

Edwards, one of the most decorated coaches in rugby history, remains on the market long-term but is already under the RFU umbrella in his role as a consultant with England’s women’s side.

Borthwick has nothing to lose by testing out another short-term consultancy arrangement during the autumn.

4. Fix the captaincy 

Maro Itoje looked red hot on the opening round of the PREM but England now have fierce competition in their lock stocks. 

With George Martin, Alex Coles and Ollie Chessum in fine form, skipper Itoje is no longer a guaranteed starter.

Jamie George has been a fine understudy but he is retiring next year and he too faces competition.

The captaincy has been dominated by Saracens players since Dylan Hartley lost the armband in 2018 but the balance of power has shifted.

Leicester’s Chessum would be a popular candidate but perhaps it is time to empower the core of Northampton stars and look towards Smith.

5. Get Willis 

The ‘exceptional circumstance’ clause has long hung over the RFU’s stance on not selecting overseas-based players.

This week, Jack Willis was named the Top 14’s player of the season for the second straight year, captaining a Toulouse team that stars Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos. 

Borthwick has toed the party line and refused to engage in debates about Willis.

But the flanker has been playing exceptionally well and he would walk into England’s team as the starting No 7.

6. Establish an identity 

During the Six Nations, Borthwick changed his entire backline throughout the tournament.

Against Ireland he selected Alex Mitchell, George Ford, Henry Arundell, Fraser Dingwall, Ollie Lawrence, Tommy Freeman and Freddie Steward. Against France he went for Ben Spencer, Fin Smith, Cadan Murley, Seb Atkinson, Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck and Elliot Daly. Neither would be his first-choice backline this autumn.

There is no doubt that certain players suit certain opponents but Borthwick needs to double down on a playing philosophy as the team’s DNA. 

The attacking display in France for the final round of the Six Nations should be the blueprint – despite the night ending in a 48-46 defeat.