Tommy Freeman acknowledges England fans’ frustrations following their narrow victory against Scotland but remains optimistic about their Six Nations title hopes. Despite the mixed reaction from supporters, England have won back-to-back matches and remain in contention, with upcoming fixtures against Italy and Wales offering a chance to build momentum.
England’s 16-15 win over Scotland at Twickenham ended a four-match losing streak against their rivals and marked their first victory against them at home since 2017. However, the manner of the win left many fans unconvinced, with boos ringing out during periods of play. The team’s tactical approach, reliant on contestable kicks and territorial dominance, drew criticism from former players and pundits alike. Will Carling described the match as “very ugly,” while World Cup winner Will Greenwood remarked that England “simply play no rugby.”
Scotland managed to score three tries to England’s one, with Freeman’s own try proving controversial due to uncertainty over whether he had grounded the ball properly. Despite this, he defended England’s approach, explaining that their game plan revolves around either kicking long to pin opponents back or executing contestable kicks to create opportunities off loose ball situations. He acknowledged that the strategy might be frustrating to watch but insisted there is a clear purpose behind it.
As England head into the second fallow week of the tournament, they sit third in the table, with a favourable run of fixtures ahead. A training camp in York will provide an opportunity to refine their game plan and prepare for a crucial home clash against Italy. Injuries remain a concern, though there is some positive news. Tom Curry, who appeared to be in significant discomfort when leaving the field against Scotland, is expected to recover in time for the Italy match after suffering a dead leg. Tom Willis, who sustained a head injury, will go through return-to-play protocols, while George Martin, who missed the Scotland game with a knee issue, is also expected to be available. However, George Furbank is unlikely to feature in the remaining fixtures as he continues his recovery from a broken arm.
France’s emphatic 73-24 victory over Italy has shifted the focus to their upcoming clash against Ireland, which could prove decisive in the title race. England’s chances of winning the championship depend not only on their own performances but also on results elsewhere. Nonetheless, they remain in contention and will approach their next two matches with confidence.
Freeman remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of taking each match as it comes. He acknowledged the progress Italy have made in recent years, warning that they will present a stern challenge, while also recognizing the difficulty of facing Wales away. Despite the challenges ahead, he believes England can still push for the title if they maintain their focus and deliver strong performances in the final two rounds.
