Jamie George insists England should evolve within the wake of a triumphant 2025 or danger seeing their Guinness Six Nations title ambitions crumble.
Steve Borthwick’s staff are seen by bookmakers as second favourites behind France to be topped champions, with the rivals colliding within the climax to the event on March 14.
A run of 11-consecutive wins – relationship again to the beginning of final 12 months’s Six Nations – sees England enter their opener in opposition to Wales on Saturday week with a swagger, however George is aware of they can’t afford to face nonetheless.
“We’re in a good spot, there’s no hiding that,” mentioned George, who final week introduced he would retire after the 2027 World Cup.
“There’s a whole lot of confidence within the group and a whole lot of enjoyment about being in camp. That is a very good indicator that you’ll go on to play good rugby.
“We welcome the expectation as a result of it is a praise for what we have executed and what we have achieved over a brief time period, nevertheless it additionally maintain us on our toes as a result of we all know we will not be complacent and might’t depend on earlier performances.
England main the cost to dethrone France as Six Nations champions
“We all know that if we’re the identical staff as we had been for the final 11 video games, it isn’t going to be adequate, so our focus over the following two weeks is to turn into a greater staff.
“We have to set a new tone and new standard and play with a new intensity and in a way we’re proud of.”
As soon as Wales have been negotiated all eyes will flip to Murrayfield – the graveyard of England’s Six Nations aspirations in latest occasions.
They haven’t received in Edinburgh since 2020 and have misplaced in three of their final 4 visits, remodeling their February 14 showdown in opposition to Scotland right into a pivotal encounter that can check their minds in addition to their expertise.
“It’s probably turned into our biggest rivalry in the Six Nations,” George mentioned.
“We haven’t won in Edinburgh for a long time so it’s going to be a huge game for us. Hopefully we can get off to a good start against Wales and then we’ll focus on Scotland.”
George’s delight for Itoje
George confirmed England had been rallying round captain Maro Itoje following the passing of his mom in December
George was talking on the Six Nations launch in Edinburgh instead of captain Maro Itoje, who has been grieving the loss of life of his mom Florence.
It’s a tragedy that holds poignancy for George, whose personal mom Jane was recognized with most cancers on the day he was appointed England captain in early 2024 after which died in February.
“It’s horrible news, I’ve been through it myself. It’s a hugely-challenging time for him and a hugely-challenging time for his family,” George mentioned.
“The way he has carried himself over the last few months has been incredibly impressive. The important thing is that he’s been given enough space to mourn and grieve.
“The best way he has saved exhibiting up and put the staff first in a whole lot of methods has been unbelievable.
“I know he’ll be wanting to do his family proud over the next short period of time. We’re all very proud of him and will be there for him.”
England squad for 2026 Six Nations
Steve Borthwick has named three uncapped gamers in Greg Fisilau, Vilikesa Sela and Emmanuel Iyogun as a part of his 36-player England Six Nations squad.
Forwards (20): Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 30 caps), Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby, 1 cap), Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 14 caps), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 53 caps), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 20 caps), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 65 caps), Theo Dan (Saracens, 20 caps), Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 3 caps), Ben Earl (Saracens, 46 caps), Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 75 caps), Jamie George (Saracens, 105 caps), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 17 caps), Maro Itoje (Saracens, 97 caps – captain), Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton Saints, uncapped), Man Pepper (Tub Rugby, 7 caps), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 5 caps), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 10 caps), Vilikesa Sela (Tub Rugby, uncapped), Sam Underhill (Tub Rugby, 45 caps).
Backs (16): Henry Arundell (Tub Rugby, 11 caps), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 2 caps), Elliot Daly (Saracens, 74 caps), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 7 caps), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps), George Ford (Sale Sharks, 105 caps), Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 22 caps), George Furbank (Northampton Saints, 14 caps), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 27 caps), Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 4 caps) , Max Ojomoh (Tub Rugby, 2 caps), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 74 caps), Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 46 caps), Ben Spencer (Tub Rugby, 14 caps), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 41 caps), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps).
England’s 2026 Six Nations fixtures
February 7: Wales (h)
February 14: Scotland (a)
February 21: Eire (h)
March 7: Italy (a)
March 14: France (a)
