Borthwick urges England players to improve discipline at Nations Championship

England head coach Steve Borthwick has called on his players to improve their discipline ahead of the autumn Nations Championship fixtures. England have received 14 yellow cards and one red card in 2026, contributing to five defeats in their last seven Tests. Borthwick highlighted issues bridging domestic Premiership refereeing interpretations to the international level, particularly surrounding the contact area and defensive structures.

The squad also faces new adjustments following a mid-season ban on hip-drop tackles, which prop Ellis Genge described as berserk in terms of timing. In addition to discipline issues, England face injury concerns ahead of their match against Australia, with scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland, as well as fly-half Fin Smith, battling fitness problems.