In his BBC Sport column, former World Cup winner Matt Dawson praised England head coach Steve Borthwick for his tactical decision-making following the team’s victory over Australia. Dawson highlighted how Borthwick’s bench selections demonstrated both strategic insight and trust in England’s squad depth.
Borthwick’s rotation strategy allowed England to maintain intensity throughout the match. By introducing key players at the right moments, he balanced experience with fresh energy, enabling the side to control the game against a resilient Australian team.
"Borthwick played a blinder with his bench selection," Dawson noted, emphasizing that each substitution was designed to shift the game’s momentum rather than simply replace tired players.
England’s performance reflected the growing confidence of a squad with multiple reliable options in every position. The bench contributed significantly to maintaining pressure and securing the win, showing that Borthwick’s system values all 23 players equally.
Dawson concluded that if Borthwick continues managing his squad with such precision, England will remain adaptable and competitive heading into future tournaments.
"It’s not just about the starting fifteen anymore," he wrote. "England’s strength now lies in how seamlessly the next man steps up."
Author’s summary: Matt Dawson commends Steve Borthwick’s shrewd use of bench players that showcased England’s tactical depth and improved their dominance over Australia.