England finished higher than any of their Six Nations opponents at the World Cup. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele
After England's third place finish at the World Cup, the Six Nations is on the horizon for Steve Borthwick.
With several key players announcing their retirement from international careers, including Courtney With second-row Lawes, forward Jonny May and scrum-half Ben Youngs, England must rebuild their squad.
However, they enter this transition phase between tournaments much more optimistic than they were at the start of the World Cup. England arrived in France as distant underdogs after disappointing results under Borthwick, including a fourth-place finish in the 2023 Six Nations and a first defeat to Fiji in the final warm-up match before the tournament.
< p>However, the team's performance, especially their semi-final match against the South African champions, helped silence critics and win back the hearts of England fans.
As well as players leaving, there have been changes. Expected at England headquarters with the departure of defense coach Kevin Sinfield and the arrival of Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones.
Six Nations Grand Slam winners Irelandwill hope to retain their crown, but will have to do so without their midfielder and captain Johnny Sexton, as well as striker Keith Earls, who both retired. World Cup
They face stiff competition from France, whose dreams of home World Cup glory were dashed by eventual champions South Africa in the quarter-finals, and Scotland strong>, who were unable to defeat either Ireland or South Africa and qualify from their group.
Waleswill also have to prove something after losing in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. final to Argentina, while Italy will be hoping to bounce back after failing to qualify from their group and losing to finalists New Zealand.
When will the 2024 Six Nations take place?
Tournament of Six The 2024 Nations will begin on 2 February 2024 at 20:00 (GMT) when France host Irish champions.
The last time both teams took to the field at the Stade de France was during the World Cup semi-finals in October, when they were eliminated on consecutive nights.
The visiting Ireland fans were among them. the loudest at the world show, with fans and players shouting the lyrics to The Cranberry' Zombie after every victory. Expect more during the Six Nations as well.
England will begin their tournament against Italy at 14:15 (GMT) on 3 February 2024. Steve Borthwick's side are hoping to improve on their previous results at the Six Nations, finishing fourth in the standings with 10 points, 17 points behind the team. the winners are Ireland.
How to watch the 2024 Six Nations on TV
This year's matches will be shown on the BBC and ITV in the UK. Live streaming will be available for free on the BBC iPlayer and ITVX apps, and can also be downloaded to mobile or tablet devices.
All 2024 Six Nations matches
All times GMT
February 2:France – Ireland, 20:00
February 3:Italy – England, 14:15; Wales v Scotland, 4.45pm
10 February:Scotland v France, 2.15pm; England – Wales, 16:45
February 11: Ireland – Italy, 15:00
February 24: Ireland – Wales, 14 :15; Scotland – England, 16.45
February 25:France – Italy, 15.00
March 9:Italy – Scotland, 14.15; England – Ireland, 16:45
March 10:Wales – France, 15:00
March 16:Wales – Italy, 14 :15; Ireland – Scotland, 16.45; France v England, 20:00.
Who are the favorites to win the 2024 Six Nations?
Ireland and France are the bookmakers' favourites, with England slightly behind. Scotland, Wales and Italy do not have much advantage.
- France win: 6/5.
- Ireland win: 6/4.
- England win . : 6/1
- Scotland to win: 14/1
- Wales to win: 22/1
- Italy to win: 500/1
Odds correct November 7, 2023
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