Punxsutawney Phil viewed his own shadow and – as per the local traditions in Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania – predicted six more weeks of gloomy winter, but Groundhog Day came a day early to England supporters in the Aviva Stadium.

Steve Borthwick desperately needs to turn the tide of bad results after England's Six Nations campaign got off to a losing start.

It could be argued England would want any other game than the one that is coming this weekend. A chance to settle into the Six Nations and find a positive result may have served Steve Borthwick and the team well. However, the schedulers have done England no favours in handing the team back-to-back fixtures against the northern hemisphere’s best.

Steve Borthwick made sure to focus on the positives following England's 27-22 loss to Ireland on the opening weekend of the Six Nations.

There is no need to restate England’s recent win/loss ratio or the overall record of its head coach, Steve Borthwick. They are not good and, if they continue to lose, he and they will not be able to withstand the storm of public and media criticism;