The eight things England must fix to have any shot at winning the Six Nations, writes CHRIS FOY
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England had a bad autumn and a disappointing year, so there is a sense of urgency now about sparking a vital revival. Steve Borthwick earned some breathing space when Japan were put to the sword to round out the campaign, but the pressure on his regime will become suffocating again if the daunting Six Nations opener against Ireland in Dublin on the first day of February goes badly wrong.
![[England have endured a difficult autumn and a disappointing year under Borthwick overall]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/21/92473973-14125033-image-a-41_1732571247836.jpg)
It won't get any easier after that when the free-flowing French and a Scotland team who have not lost to England since before the Covid lockdowns come to Twickenham. Knocking over Italy in round four will not be the simple task it used to be, either, before rounding out the championship in Cardiff on March 15.
![[Finding a new leader to succeed 34-year-old captain Jamie George is an important priority]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/21/92474087-14125033-image-a-43_1732571367269.jpg)
So, what needs to be done in the next two months to prevent England's slide becoming a slump? Here, Mail Sport look at eight key issues - and how to fix them, fast. This is a tricky subject, but Borthwick will grasp the need for a captaincy succession plan. Jamie George is 34 now and will turn 37 during the next World Cup. If the head coach expects the hooker to hand over the baton to a younger man during this four-year cycle, it is imperative that the situation does not drift for too long.
![[The status of Northampton Saints' scrum-half Alex Mitchell has enhanced during his absence]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/21/92474223-14125033-image-a-44_1732571470472.jpg)
A new contender could come into the reckoning if he can get fit and stay fit: Ollie Chessum. The Leicester forward must be in the starting XV at lock or blindside. He can play a full 80 minutes, is a smart player and a strong communicator. Maro Itoje has the air of someone auditioning for the role, but it might be best to leave him to focus on being a supreme individual asset.
![[The same can certainly be said for England's and Leicester Tigers' injured lock Ollie Chessum]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/25/21/92474263-14125033-image-a-45_1732571540630.jpg)
