Six Nations LIVE: England set to reveal squad for tournament as Steve Borthwick mulls options

Steve Borthwick names his squad for the Six Nations (PA Wire)

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England’s preparations for a crucial Six Nations are set to intensify as head coach Steve Borthwick confirms his squad for the upcoming tournament.

After a disappointing autumn to conclude an up-and-down 2024, Borthwick is a man under pressure as he prepares to take charge of his third Six Nations campaign. It’s a demanding start for England, too, with Ireland in Dublin on the opening weekend followed by France back on home soil a week later to open the tournament. A 36-man squad is expected to be named today with standout Premiership performers including Tom Willis of Saracens hoping to earn their places in the selection.

While a relatively settled squad is expected, flanker Sam Underhill and wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are expected to miss out after suffering injuries. Full-back George Furbank is working his way back to fitness after a fractured arm but could be back for the latter stages of a Six Nations where the Rugby Football Union (RFU) have tasked Borthwick with achieving at least four wins.

Follow all of the latest from Borthwick’s squad unveiling in our live blog below:

Former RFU remuneration chief defends Bill Sweeney’s bonus payments after record loss

Genevieve Shore was the chair of the remuneration committee that agreed to the bonuses back in 2021 as part of a Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). I spoke to her last week in her new role as executive chair of Premiership Women’s Rugby:

Harry Latham-Coyle14 January 2025 09:00

The tone deaf decision that has plunged England’s Rugby Football Union into crisis

Things have rather erupted in English rugby union since the end of that campaign, lifting the scrutiny off Steve Borthwick and on to the hierarchy in the backrooms at Twickenham. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney remains under severe pressure after a tone deaf decision to accept a huge bonus at the end of a year that saw record losses for the union.

Harry Latham-Coyle14 January 2025 08:45

What next for England after frustrating autumn? Five questions Steve Borthwick must answer

While their final-quarter collapses have undermined much of the progress made, Borthwick is confident he has the pieces in place to build a winning team. The head coach has regularly cited the youthful age profile of his squad while retaining a senior leadership group he has full faith in. He is confident that the upheaval caused by the shock departures of defence coach Felix Jones and strength and conditioning guru Aled Walters will not be repeated.

But the start of the Six Nations is highly demanding: a trip to Ireland on the opening weekend is followed by a first home clash with France since a record defeat at Twickenham in 2023. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have set an ambitious ask of four wins from five in the spring campaign, something England have not achieved since the 2020 edition.

After the Autumn Nations Series, we looked at five key questions that Borthwick must address to set England up for success.

Harry Latham-Coyle14 January 2025 08:30

England announce Six Nations squad – LIVE

A very good morning and welcome along to LIVE coverage as England prepare to announce their squad for the upcoming Six Nations. Steve Borthwick has plenty to consider ahead of a crucial campaign, and will confirm his selection at 11.30am GMT with little more than a fortnight until his side kick off their tournament against Ireland.