England vs Ireland: What Changes Might England Make for the Ireland Game After Calcutta Cup Blow?

Twelve straight wins had built belief. Momentum. Maybe even a little bit of quiet swagger. Then came Murrayfield.

England’s run was brought crashing down in a bruising 31-20 defeat to Scotland, who reclaimed the Calcutta Cup with an edge and intensity that Steve Borthwick’s side simply couldn’t match for long enough. The questions now are unavoidable.

What changes might England make for the Ireland game?

With Ireland arriving at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham for what is effectively a must-win Six Nations clash, selection suddenly feels less about continuity and more about recalibration. Borthwick has largely trusted the same core XV throughout the autumn and into this championship. But after Edinburgh, a shake-up is firmly on the table.

What Changes Might England Make for the Ireland Game? The Back Three Dilemma

The first and most immediate headache concerns the wings.

Henry Arundell’s red card at Murrayfield — two yellow cards, the second for a dangerous aerial challenge — could rule him out depending on disciplinary outcomes. If he is banned, England must rethink their left wing.

That decision ripples across the backline.

Tommy Freeman has been deployed at outside centre in recent matches, a position England’s coaches are clearly keen to cement him in long term. Yet Freeman’s natural home is on the wing, and his aerial dominance might be precisely what England need after struggling under Scotland’s high ball pressure.

There’s logic in shifting him back wide.

England were second best in the air at key moments in Edinburgh. Against Ireland — a side that thrives on territorial kicking and contestable balls — that weakness cannot be repeated. Freeman on the wing immediately strengthens that department.

But here lies the tension.

Does Borthwick compromise Freeman’s development at 13 for short-term stability? Or does he double down on the centre experiment?

Ollie Lawrence, now fit after beginning the campaign with a knee issue, presents another variable. His return could see him slot straight back into outside centre, freeing Freeman to move wide. It’s arguably the cleanest solution.

Then there’s Elliot Daly. A like-for-like wing replacement with experience and versatility, Daly offers calm under pressure and a left boot that can ease territorial battles. If England want minimal disruption, Daly could simply step in for Arundell.

Tom Roebuck, usually reliable in the air, had a rare off day at Murrayfield. It would be harsh to judge him on one performance, but selection at this level is ruthless. With Cadan Murley and Ollie Hassell-Collins impressing for England A — both scoring against an Ireland XV recently — depth is not an issue.

Former England wing Ugo Monye summed up the debate neatly: if England intend to persist with a heavy kicking strategy, they must pick their best aerial operators.

Against Ireland, that may be non-negotiable.

Back-Row Questions: Stick or Twist?

Ireland

If the back three presents tactical dilemmas, the back row presents philosophical ones.

Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill, alongside Ben Earl at number eight, had formed a formidable unit during the autumn. Their blend of aggression, breakdown menace, and carrying punch allowed Earl to roam and thrive.

But against Scotland, the balance felt off.

Underhill — usually one of the most destructive tacklers in international rugby — missed two crucial challenges in the build-up to Ben White’s try. Pepper, too, was quieter than usual. Earl remained influential, carrying hard and consistently crossing the gain line.

Borthwick has shown he views the back row as a collective. Changes rarely come in isolation.

Tom Curry and Henry Pollock have been deployed as high-impact finishers from the bench. Curry’s Lions pedigree and relentless work-rate make him a compelling starter, but his injury history may explain the cautious reintegration.

Pollock, still only 21 and yet to start a Test, again provided energy when introduced. His dynamism at the breakdown and ball-carrying edge hint at a player ready for greater responsibility.

The question is timing.

Does Borthwick trust experience and start Curry against Ireland’s seasoned pack? Or does he inject youth and intensity with Pollock from the outset? Alternatively, could Pepper or Underhill shift to a bench impact role?

Ireland’s recent forward displays — particularly against France and Italy — have shown vulnerability at times up front. England may see an opportunity to challenge physically rather than simply contain.

That could influence whether Borthwick opts for continuity or controlled aggression.

Smith v Smith: The Fly-Half Debate Reignites

This time last year, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith were battling to be England’s starting fly-half. Now, the dynamic has shifted slightly.

George Ford appears secure as first choice. His missed drop-goal in Edinburgh was costly, but his autumn form and composure against Wales earlier in the championship make it unlikely that he’ll be displaced.

So the real debate centres on the bench.

Marcus Smith’s omission from the matchday squad against Scotland raised eyebrows. A player capable of unlocking defences and shifting momentum, he offers versatility — able to cover full-back as well as fly-half.

Former England wing Chris Ashton didn’t mince words: if a game drifts away, Marcus can change it.

Fin Smith, by contrast, is often viewed as a game manager more suited to starting rather than injecting late chaos. He started four Six Nations matches last year and has shown maturity beyond his 23 years.

Selection here may depend on bench configuration.

If England opt for a 6-2 split — six forwards, two backs — versatility becomes essential. That scenario would favour Marcus, whose ability to slot in at multiple positions justifies the risk of fewer back replacements.

Ireland’s forward-oriented style might tempt Borthwick into reinforcing his pack on the bench. If so, the identity of the reserve fly-half becomes even more critical.

Tactical Identity Under the Microscope

Beyond individual names, the deeper issue is tactical clarity.

England have leaned heavily into a territory-first approach, built on kicking pressure and defensive resilience. It served them well during their 12-match winning run.

But Scotland disrupted that rhythm.

When forced to chase, England lacked fluency. Their attack appeared structured but not instinctive. Against Ireland, they will need both precision and adaptability.

Selection will reflect that.

If Borthwick doubles down on physicality and aerial dominance, expect pragmatic choices. If he seeks greater attacking unpredictability, creative players may return to prominence.

A Defining Moment at Twickenham

The stakes are clear.

Lose to Ireland, and England’s championship hopes fade significantly. Win, and the narrative resets.

This is not a moment for wholesale panic. Twelve victories do not become irrelevant because of one defeat. But neither can Murrayfield’s lessons be ignored.

What changes might England make for the Ireland game? Likely subtle ones — a wing adjustment here, a back-row reshuffle there, perhaps a different bench dynamic.

The spine of the team will remain intact.

But in championship rugby, margins are everything. And at Allianz Stadium this weekend, those margins may well be shaped by the very selection calls Steve Borthwick is weighing right now.