The 2026 Six Nations Championship has been a stark disappointment for Steve Borthwick’s England. Following an encouraging opening victory against Wales, successive losses to Scotland, Ireland, and a historic first defeat to Italy have left them facing the very real possibility of finishing bottom of the table and claiming the unwanted title of Wooden Spoon winners. With a crucial match against France looming, England’s fate hangs in the balance.
The prospect of securing the Wooden Spoon – awarded to the team finishing last in the Six Nations – is mathematically possible, though unlikely. A defeat to France, coupled with a bonus-point win for Wales against Italy, would see both teams tied on six championship points. Yet, England’s significantly superior points difference currently offers a degree of protection.
England’s 48-7 victory over Wales on the opening weekend of the championship provided a substantial boost to their points difference, currently standing at +4. In contrast, Wales currently holds a deficit of -96, requiring a swing of 100 points for them to overtake England. Although France are capable of a dominant performance against England in Paris, a similarly large victory for Wales against a resilient Italy appears less probable.
A History of Avoiding the Wooden Spoon
Despite recent struggles, England have never actually won the Wooden Spoon during the Six Nations era. Their worst finishes came in 2018 and 2021, where they ended the tournament in fifth place, securing only two wins in each campaign. Interestingly, even just two wins were enough to secure third place in 2010 and 2022, and fourth place in 2005, 2006 and 2023, highlighting the fluctuating nature of the competition.
However, England’s history isn’t without its low points. Prior to the Six Nations, during the Five Nations era, they did claim the Wooden Spoon on multiple occasions. The most infamous instance came in 1983, when a team widely tipped as favorites lost three of their four matches, drawing the remaining game against Wales. They as well finished bottom of the table in 1972 and 1976, losing all four of their matches in both years, and again in 1987, finishing below Wales on points difference.
What’s at Stake in Paris?
The match against France represents a significant challenge for England. According to BBC Sport, Steve Borthwick has made just one change to the side that suffered a historic defeat to Italy, bringing in Ollie Chessum to replace the injured Tom Curry. The pressure is mounting on Borthwick, with ESPN reporting that his future as head coach is under scrutiny.
The Guardian notes that Borthwick’s team selection appears to be focused on damage limitation, with a largely unchanged lineup from the disappointing performance against Italy. The article also highlights growing doubts among former England internationals regarding Borthwick’s suitability to lead the national team forward.
While avoiding the Wooden Spoon remains a possibility, the focus for England in Paris will be on restoring some pride and demonstrating a fighting spirit. The outcome of the match will not only determine their final position in the Six Nations table but could also have significant implications for the future of the coaching staff.
The final round of the 2026 Six Nations promises to be a dramatic conclusion, with several teams still vying for the championship title. Regardless of the outcome in Paris, England will undoubtedly face a period of reflection and rebuilding as they appear ahead to future challenges.
What do you think England needs to do to turn their fortunes around? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
