Autumn series 2024 analysis: England finally impress; missed squad opportunity

England's dominant 59-14 victory over Japan marked a crucial turning point in their autumn campaign, providing much-needed momentum as they close out the year.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Barnaby van Hoeken analyses the key takeaways from the match, assessing whether England fully utilised their squad depth and reflecting on the effectiveness of their defensive strategies.

England shine in their sole win this autumn

England’s miserable autumn and five-game losing streak came to an end after an impressive 59-14 win over Japan.

With nine tries scored and Marcus Smith converting seven, the result showcased both attacking flair and clinical finishing, putting a positive spin on what had been a challenging autumn for the team.

As the 2025 Six Nations approaches, the questions raised in this autumn series could prove pivotal in shaping England's future direction.

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Missed opportunity for squad development?

While England needed a victory against Japan to salvage some positivity from this Autumn Nations Series, one question must be asked whether England could have partially rotated the matchday 23 and given more experience to wider squad players.

England had already beaten Japan in similar fashion during the summer and knew what to expect. So, was Steve Borthwick wrong not to trust wider squad players who regularly perform for their Premiership clubs?

One such player who fans have been calling for to be given a shot is Ted Hill, whose monstrous size, speed and consistent performances for Bath are unquestionable.

Only winning two caps total - one in 2018 and the 2021 - Hill’s international career has been a rocky road of inclusions and exclusions this autumn. Adding to the challenge, his time at Worcester Warriors where he was club captain was cut short.

With Chandler Cunningham-South dropping to the bench, it was an open goal of an opportunity for Borthwick to start Hill in the number 6 jersey.

Instead, Borthwick started Tom Curry, who is a world-class player on his day, but one who has struggled with injury and minutes for nearly a year now - and is already a known quantity at international level.

Another player whose international journey has arguably not even begun yet is Cadan Murley. He featured for England A twice this year and scored in both games.

Murley has been in and out of the squad for nearly a year now, narrowly missing selection for the 2023 World Cup and the following Six Nations due to injury.

Topping the Premiership try-scoring charts in 2023 with 15 in 18 games, it’s a mystery how Murley does not have a senior cap.

With the example of Ollie Sleightholm getting a chance this autumn because of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s head injury, a chance for Murley to show off his try-scoring capabilities and at least be named on the bench for Japan should have been given.

Borthwick could have further developed the squad by starting Tom Roebuck and shifting Tommy Freeman to outside centre, giving more experience to wider squad players whilst being experimental with Freeman’s versatility.

Once again, though, Borthwick lacked the ambition to develop his squad.

There are many more players who could be mentioned, but it’s important to highlight Luke Northmore at the centre - a position where England have struggled in recent years when Manu Tuilagi was injured and Ollie Lawrence lacked support.

Also worth noting is Theo Dan, whose explosiveness and aggression are clear positive attributes at Saracens, where he often starts ahead of England captain Jamie George.

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Is the blitz working?

One of the most apparent narratives for England this autumn has been their use of the blitz defence, which has arguably contributed to their downfall in their three losses.

Countless times, England were narrow as their blitz tried to shut the ball down at the source.

This was exploited by quick Japanese hands, creating 2v1s and mismatches on the wing, leaving England desperately scrambling.

While only one try was conceded as a result of the blitz and the other good handling from the Brave Blossoms, many more could have been scored from overuse of this defensive tactic.

Is a new path needed?

The departure of defence coach Felix Jones highlights England's struggles without his tactics.

Borthwick must think hard over the new year whether his defensive approach is the right path forward for England defensively, and overall.

If a balance can be found between gently shepherding the opposition towards wide channels and employing the blitz, England’s defence will improve.

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