Borthwick’s squad vows to stop Dupont, but with injuries mounting, England’s chances look grim

England’s Six Nations campaign teeters on the brink as Steve Borthwick’s side prepares to face France on Saturday, desperately seeking to end a four-year losing streak against Les Bleus. The biggest challenge? Stopping Antoine Dupont, the world’s most electrifying scrum-half, who tore through Wales in France’s dominant opening-round win.

Tommy Freeman insists Dupont is “only human,” but England’s defence will need more than optimism to contain a player who dismantled them in France’s 53-10 demolition at Twickenham in 2023. Ollie Chessum admitted he has no answers, quipping, “If I did, I’d be one of the highest-paid coaches in the world.”

To add to England’s woes, Cadan Murley is a major doubt after suffering a foot injury in last week’s 27-22 defeat to Ireland. His absence could force Borthwick to shuffle Freddie Steward to the wing or draft in Ollie Sleightholme, Tom Roebuck, or Elliot Daly.

Borthwick may also gamble with Marcus Smith at full-back, giving Fin Smith his first start to counter France’s long kicking game. Meanwhile, veteran hooker Jamie George has been rushed back into the squad after recovering from injury.

England have now lost seven of their last nine matches, with their second-half collapse against Ireland raising further doubts about their mental resilience. Freeman believes England must “put Dupont under pressure early” to disrupt his rhythm, but that’s easier said than done against a French side that looks destined to challenge for the Six Nations title.

With their tournament hopes already hanging by a thread, England must deliver a seismic performance at Twickenham—or risk another humbling at the hands of their oldest rivals.