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BEN KAY INTERVIEW: My England team went to dark places to win the World Cup – Steve Borthwick’s side can absolutely do the same. Here’s what they need to do, from ‘invaluable’ Shaun Edwards to unleashing PREM style of play

'The big thing is that the players have to own it,' Kay says. 'Success comes from going to dark places, carrying scars of defeat, and getting over it. Steve's got to be thinking about doing things differently.'

By ALEX BYWATER · Daily Mail

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 11:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Ben Kay believes Steve Borthwick's England side has the talent to win the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
Kay emphasizes that psychological belief and recovering from past defeats will be vital for England's World Cup ambitions.
The 2003 World Cup winner suggested that involving coach Shaun Edwards could provide invaluable support to the squad.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former England lock Ben Kay stated that Steve Borthwick's England side has the talent to win next year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. Kay explained that overcoming mental scars and rebuilding psychological belief will be critical for the team following a difficult fifth-place Six Nations campaign.

Kay argued England must embrace a more fearless style of play similar to the Premiership and suggested involving coach Shaun Edwards could provide an invaluable psychological boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

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