England's Kicking Strategy Under Scrutiny
Ben Spencer's box-kicking was a significant source of territorial gain for England during their defeat in Italy.
The term 'kick' has once again become a contentious topic among England fans.
During England's 12-match winning streak, their tendency to chase high balls as a method of gaining territory was largely accepted.
At times, this tactic caused panic in opposing defenses, who were still adapting to the 2024 law changes that outlaw deliberate blocking of chasers, and some fans even enjoyed this aspect.
However, following three consecutive losses, England's pragmatic kicking style has become a point of concern.
After their recent loss to Italy, complaints about the team's tactics were prominent in fan discussions.
Kicking Statistics in the Six Nations
England have indeed kicked more than other teams in this Six Nations tournament, but the margin is slight.
They average 30.75 kicks per match, just one more than Italy, Ireland, and France.
Scotland, averaging 23.25 kicks, are the only team with a notably different kicking strategy compared to England.
Origins of England's Kicking Focus
Head coach Steve Borthwick's tactics at Leicester, where he frequently used back threes to secure the Premiership title, influenced his initial approach with England as he acclimated to the international level.
Even now, when England employ kicking, they do so at a volume few other teams match.
After less kick-heavy performances against Scotland and Ireland, the match against Italy was an exception, with England kicking 38 times in open play.
Many of these kicks were similar in nature. Scrum-half Ben Spencer executed 14 box-kicks, the highest of any player in the last round of games.
Jack van Poortvliet added another five box-kicks after replacing Spencer in the 57th minute.
This repetition, combined with the time required to set up a box-kick, makes the tactic particularly memorable.
Effectiveness of the Box-Kick Tactic
What is less often recalled is that this tactic frequently yielded positive results.
England were the most successful team at regaining kicks in the fourth round, both in absolute numbers and percentage.
Within the first three minutes against Italy, Spencer launched two box-kicks for Cadan Murley to chase. Murley caught the first cleanly and tapped the second back to Joe Heyes, allowing England to advance up half the pitch with easy yardage gains.
Of 12 box-kicks launched outside England's 22-meter line, eight were successful, helping England gain territory, momentum, or a set-piece.
The first try for England originated from a similarly well-executed aerial play, with Fin Smith delivering a precise crossfield kick to Tom Roebuck.
Errors and Missed Opportunities
However, there were also mistakes and squandered chances.
Fin Smith was fortunate that Lorenzo Cannone's charge-down of his 13th-minute kick did not lead to an Italian try.
In the 71st minute, off quick ball and with excellent field position and Murley positioned wide, Seb Atkinson delayed too long and had his kick blocked.
Soon after, as time ran down, Smith kicked a poor flat ball out on the full while aiming for Roebuck on a low-percentage play.
These plays involved more complexity and higher risk of failure.
Italy executed several such attacks successfully, notably when Paolo Garbisi found wing Monty Ioane with a lateral pass to set up Leonardo Marin's decisive late try.
Despite this, from the static base of a box-kick and chase, England generally profited.
Challenges Beyond Kicking
More concerning than England's kicking is their difficulty in breaking through defenses by other means.
Against Scotland, England held 53% possession but made fewer than half as many line breaks (six compared to Scotland's 14) and beat fewer defenders (15 to 23).
Against Ireland, England had 52% possession and kicked nearly half as much as their opponents (18 open play kicks to Ireland's 31) but repeatedly lost possession at the breakdown, conceding 14 turnovers.
England have been turned over the joint-most times of any team in this year's Six Nations.
Their failure to convert field position into points has been a recurring issue throughout the championship, with only Italy averaging fewer points per entry into the opposition 22-meter area.
Whether this is due to opponents being better prepared to counter England in the often chaotic aftermath of contestable kicks, or England's own loss of the necessary sharpness to capitalize in broken field situations, their try-scoring has diminished in 2025.
Fan Expectations vs. Reality
Criticism of England's kicking assumes the team would be more incisive and effective if they retained possession more often. So far, there is little evidence supporting this.
Perhaps disappointingly for England fans, the aspect of the team's game they dislike most is among the more successful.
"There is no need for a major overhaul in our tactical plan," Borthwick stated this week.
France should anticipate more of the same approach, as should England's supporters.
