It is a long shot, but England can still win the 2024 Six Nations with a victory away to France on Saturday night so long as Ireland are beaten at home by Scotland.
By the time they take to the field in Lyon, Steve Borthwick and his players will know the result from Dublin. Regardless of what happens, England have to play as if the Championship is on the line. That is the attitude I would have been driving this week if I had been in Borthwick’s shoes as head coach. If Ireland down Scotland and win the title then so be it.
That’s out of England’s control.
But I want to see them take on Les Bleus with all guns blazing and build on what was a fantastic performance against Ireland. Last weekend, England finally injected speed into their game. It was a joy to watch. But England can’t rest on their laurels.
The Ireland success will mean nothing if they do not turn up in Le Crunch, especially after the hammering they took last year at Twickenham.
