Nations Championship: Under-fire England, confusing Ireland, hopeful Scotland

Sky Sports journalist Michael Cantillon analyses the contrasting situations of England, Ireland, and Scotland as the inaugural Nations Championship resumes ahead of late November finals at Twickenham. Steve Borthwick's England side faces mounting pressure following a fifth-place Six Nations finish and a mixed July southern hemisphere tour, despite the head coach receiving a contract extension to 2028. England now host Australia, Japan, and New Zealand in high-stakes November fixtures.

Meanwhile, Cantillon argues Andy Farrell's Ireland remain difficult to gauge after injury ruled out fly-half Jack Crowley until January 2027, leaving Sam Prendergast to steer an inconsistent team. In contrast, Gregor Townsend's Scotland enter their autumn campaign with growing confidence following a resilient summer tour, targeting a historic first victory against New Zealand at Murrayfield.