Carling questions quality of England coaches

England vs. Italy: Men’s Six Nations

Kick-off time: 15:00 GMT on Sunday, March 9

Former England captain Will Carling has questioned the level of skill and experience in the current coaching structure, suggesting that it is hindering the team from reaching its full potential.

England won their opening match of the Six Nations by crushing defeat on Ireland, but their performance has remained unfavorable.

No doubt, there are some talented players, and Carling speculated on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. “We do have some talented players,” she said.

You have to wonder if that is the best thing that the England coaching staff can do.

Steve Borthwick, who previously served as an assistant with England and Japan, is now leading a new international team. In 2022, he also won Leicester the Premiership.

Richard Wigglesworth and Kevin Sinfield, both of whom are just a decade into their coaching careers, were hired by Borthwick from his Tigers’ backroom when he took over England.

At the end of the season, Tom Harrison, 33, is younger than hooker Jamie George, while Joe El-Abd, the defense coach, is switching to second-tier French side Oyonnax.

Carling, who had a part-time mentoring position with England under Borthwick’s predecessor Eddie Jones, added, “I still think we’re way off the potential of this team.”

Former players like Carling were “out of touch” with their criticism of the team, according to England vice-captain Ellis Genge, who criticized them last week for not giving them the credit for turning around a run of six defeats in seven Tests earlier in the year.

I wouldn’t have to agree with him, Carling said. Many former players have a lot of knowledge and vast experience.

“But I am aware that current players are extremely sensitive.

You’re working as hard as you can to win games, and they’ve had a difficult run. Let’s face it, we’ve been talking a difficult run for three or four years. Players must be aware that people will have opinions in that regard.

“You watch the reaction of the fans and the media, and I recall all those instances where we had very ugly victories.”

You have to take a deep breath and accept that it is a bit frustrating, but it’s a part of it.