Six Nations 2026: Can England's Evolving Attack Bring Them the Title?
Three years ago, England's rugby team was struggling with a poor attacking strategy. They were ranked as the worst attacking side in the top tier of Test rugby, with a strategy that relied heavily on kicking the ball high and long, often resulting in a lack of exciting play and limited scoring opportunities.
Steve Borthwick, the head coach at the time, faced a challenging task with just nine months to prepare for the Rugby World Cup. His approach was to prioritize a failsafe strategy, focusing on minimizing mistakes and kicking the ball frequently. While this strategy almost secured successive World Cup finals, it often left supporters feeling disappointed and uninterested.
England's limitations were evident, as an Italy side ranked 12th in the world at the start of 2023 (lower than Samoa) managed to score more tries across the calendar year, despite playing three fewer matches. It seemed as if England had lost control of their attacking potential, struggling to make significant progress.
The following year, the team continued to face challenges, losing seven out of 12 Tests and showing only fleeting momentum in their attack. However, all of that changed in 2025.
Under the leadership of Lee Blackett, England's attack underwent a remarkable transformation. With a new-found verve and variety, they scored the most tries of any team, only being surpassed by the back-to-back world champions, South Africa. Opta data further highlights their drastic improvement compared to other Tier 1 nations.
England's newfound ambition fueled a year of success. They won a series in Argentina with a depleted squad and achieved a historic victory over New Zealand, winning for just the ninth time in their 120-year rivalry. This success continued into the autumn, where they remained unbeaten and secured 11 wins, their longest streak in nearly a decade.
The arrival of Lee Blackett has been a significant factor in England's annual gains since their defeat in Edinburgh two years ago. Blackett's expertise in developing a dynamic backline was evident during his time at Bath, where his team scored an impressive 102 tries on their way to winning the Premiership last year. His role in 'remoulding' England's attack during the Argentina tour last summer resulted in a 2-0 series win, despite the absence of 15 senior players on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
Blackett's permanent appointment as attack coach in September further solidified his impact. The team's performance in the autumn, including the thrilling win against New Zealand, showcased their improved attacking prowess. In Borthwick's early reign, England struggled to convert clear opportunities into tries, with a low conversion rate of 28%. However, in 2025, they became one of the most effective teams at scoring from line breaks, with a completion rate of 43%.
Ashton, a player, praised Blackett's ability to give players confidence and encourage risk-taking. He believes that a coach who inspires players to score tries is essential for success.
England's journey from a struggling attacking side to a formidable force in 2025 is a testament to the power of strategic evolution and the impact of a dedicated coach. With their current momentum and improved attacking skills, England is well-positioned to make a strong showing in the Six Nations 2026 and potentially bring home the title.
