It’s time to start preparing for a potential shake-up. Just as empires have risen and fallen in Rome, England’s rugby team is facing a monumental setback that raises significant questions about Steve Borthwick’s future as head coach.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) isn’t planning any immediate changes despite a disastrous campaign, but if the team’s performance doesn’t improve by the summer, Borthwick’s position could become untenable. England’s unprecedented defeat to Italy has shattered a 34-year unbeaten streak.

After the match, England’s dejected players gathered on the field, with Maro Itoje offering some somber words. But what could he possibly say to motivate a team that now faces daunting tests against France and South Africa?

The team’s lack of discipline was appalling. Borthwick had emphasized the importance of maintaining a full lineup on the field, yet in a critical moment, seasoned players like Itoje and Sam Underhill found themselves penalized and off the pitch. Clearly, Borthwick’s strategies haven’t resonated with the squad.

In recent weeks, Borthwick’s approach has garnered little support from the rugby community. His reliance on scientific methods is met with skepticism when the team falters. Fans are uninterested in data or forecasts; they only care about the final score.

England are in crisis mode and the players looked shell-shocked after full-time in Rome

England’s pain was contrasted by the utter jubilation from the victorious Italian players

Star centre Tommaso Menoncello scored a crucial try for the hosts after cutting a great line 

There’s been a notable silence from the RFU regarding future leadership plans. During Eddie Jones’s tenure, Twickenham officials frequently touted a robust roster of potential candidates for coaching roles.

A huge upset in Paris or Johannesburg could drag England out of the pits but if things do not improve in the July Tests, then the damage could be irreparable.

There are parallels here with England’s defeat by Fiji before the World Cup. England crashed to a new low yet they emerged from the wreckage to reach the semi-finals. The difference now is Borthwick has had three years in the job and he must justify that his methods have legs.

England point towards 22 entries and final margins to validate the way they play. They talk about fast starts but they have now failed to score in the first quarter since their opening game against Wales. They talk about keeping 15 players on the pitch and they failed with that, too.

Outside the Stadio Olimpico, fans gathered around the big screens to make sense of Scotland’s early victory over France. They wore pizza hats and Henry Pollock headbands and pondered the fact that England could finish bottom if they lost in Rome. 

They watched a Scottish team who looked unshackled and wondered why England make it look so difficult.

England’s day could not have got off to a worse start. Tom Curry limped off the pitch during the warm-up and was replaced by Sam Underhill. They made their way into Italy’s 22 three times in the first 10 minutes. 

They had 74 percent of the possession and 96% of the territory but Ben Spencer kicked the ball into touch, Alex Coles lost the ball at the back of a lineout and Seb Atkinson was turned over.

It was cagey and grizzly. Fin Smith was charged down in his own half and Spencer was picked off at the breakdown. Fast start? Italy were 3-0 ahead after 21 minutes.

There are major questions over Steve Borthwick’s future as England boss 

Jamie George and Maro Itoje both required treatment and Ellis Genge had blood pouring down his face as the scrum bailed out Borthwick’s team.

With 26 minutes on the clock, England scored. Earl carried hard off a lineout and finally there was speed in the attack. Smith, Alex Coles and Tommy Freeman combined to score a try with Northampton finger prints.

But discipline was poor. Earl was penalised for obstruction at a maul. There were holes in their defensive line and Tommasso Menoncello ran between Joe Heyes and Sam Underhill to score. The defensive effort was as soft as a Roman tiramisu.

There was an impending sense of doom as the pack closed the gap at the lineout, Simone Ferrari won a turnover and Murley knocked on a contestable kick.

But, in the final play of the half, Smith delivered England’s standout moment. As attackers flooded down the blindside, Smith switched direction and launched a crossfield kick for Tom Roebuck to score.

Leonardo Marin crossed for a vital score in the second half as Italy fought back from behind

Smith kicked two penalties in the second half before Underhill was sin-binned for a high shot on Danilo Fischetti. Paolo Garbisi kicked two penalties of his own before Itoje was sin-binned for foolishly batting the ball out of the scrum-half’s hands at the maul.

With 72 minutes on the clock, the unthinkable happened. Garbisi launched a kick-pass around his half-way line and Italy flooded forwards in a puff of smoke. 

Monty Ioane and Menoncello charged down the wing, leaving Daly and Roebuck in their path. Leonardo Marin scored and suddenly England were on the wrong side of history.

Lose in Paris next week and England could finish bottom, which does not reflect the talent Borthwick has at his disposal. Their 12-match winning run is now long behind them. They are staring at their worst ever Six Nations campaign and the RFU must be asking questions as a matter of urgency.