Is England’s Six Nations campaign back on track after Murrayfield victory?

Is England’s Six Nations campaign back on track after Murrayfield victory?

England entered the Guinness Six Nations as heavy favourites to claim their third title of the Eddie Jones era but, after two difficult away fixtures, they sit fourth in the table.

Here the PA news agency examines the questions posed by their campaign so far.

How have they performed?

Mixed bag. Falling 24-0 behind to France in Paris was a disastrous start and, although they fought back, a 24-17 defeat invited renewed pressure on to the Jones regime. Breathing space has been bought by an ugly victory over Scotland at Murrayfield in which England adapted better to atrocious conditions.

So they are back on track?

Win at all costs was the mantra for Edinburgh and that was achieved despite the churning winds and heavy rain of Storm Ciara turning the Calcutta Cup clash into a lottery. The set-piece was strong and in stark contrast to 2018, the breakdown belonged to England with Tom Curry, Sam Underhill and Lewis Ludlam immense. Add in the hostility that greeted them in the Scottish capital – an empty plastic beer bottle being thrown at Jones’ right hand man Neil Craig, the booing of Owen Farrell during kicks at goal and the away dressing room only having one hot shower – and there is a justifiable sense of satisfaction in the camp even if so far they have not played like tournament favourites.

And yet?

The Calcutta Cup was played in atrocious conditions
The Calcutta Cup was played in atrocious conditions (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Have they moved forward since Japan?

George Furbank has been brought in at full-back
George Furbank has been brought in at full-back (David Davies/PA)

What is next?

Andy Farrell (left) and Owen Farrell (right) becomes rivals on Sunday week
Andy Farrell (left) and Owen Farrell (right) become rivals on Sunday week (Martin Rickett/PA)

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