The England national team have received a storm of criticism about their ability to do this. Their first tournament match against Italy on 3rd February sparked major alarm for England fans. The Red Roses narrowly beat the Italian side by just 3 points, trailing behind for the majority of the game.
Just 5 minutes in, Italy gained a 3 point lead, as England’s Maro Itoje offside position resulted in a free penalty kick for the Italian team. The mistakes didn’t just stop there. Confusion within England's defence line allowed a superb try to be scored by Italian scrum-half Alessandro Garbisi, putting the Italians 8-0 ahead. Despite a successful penalty kick from England’s George Ford, followed by a skilful try from centre Elliot Daly, Italy led 17-14 at half time.
As shock circulated the arena, England commenced the second half with passion. Scrum-half Alex Mitchell scored an incredible individual try which pushed the Red Roses to lead 19-17. A quick conversion from George Ford put England further ahead, leading 24-17. Italy did not give up however; with just 5 minutes to go and England on track to win by 10 points, Italy’s Monty Ioane’s rapid sprint down the right wing clinched Italy another try, followed by a successful conversion from Paolo Garbisi. At full-time, England won 27-24, but it was not cheer and celebration that the England team took home with them that night.
Many have doubted England’s ability as a team.
Following their narrowingly tight win against Italy, many have doubted England’s ability as a team, questioning their game-play, communication, coaching and players. This has come about particularly amidst Ireland’s soaring victory against the Italians, defeating them 36-0 just a week later. Despite heavy criticism towards the English national team, their latest match against Wales has proven they are still determined to win.
Playing at their home arena in Twickenham, England beat Wales 16-14 in a nail-biting performance between both teams. The first half was slow for England. As Ollie Chessum and Ethan Roots both received yellow cards, the Welsh led 14-5 at half time.
The England team did not let critics win however, entering the second half with grit and skill. A Welsh offside in the 47th minute gave England’s fly-half George Ford a clear penalty kick, gaining England an extra 3 points. They did not stop there. Fraser Dingwall went on to score an incredible try, narrowing the score 13-14 to Wales with only 20 minutes to go. A missed conversion from England’s George Ford sent panic across the arena as England remained 1 point down. But a yellow card to Welsh centre Mason Grady gave England one last chance to lead. A successful penalty kick pushed England to victory and they led 16-14. Despite a determined final push from Wales, England took the victory at full time, winning 16-14 against the Welsh side.
As England gets ready to play Scotland this Saturday, they have proven they are still on track to win the Championship. Despite a narrow win over Italy and Scotland, they fought passionately and clinched the win both times. A slow start does not mean defeat. We need to have faith in our Red Roses as they fight for the title!
