Just weeks after they were described as the best team in the world, it appears the tide has quickly turned on the England rugby side.
England's Joe Marler reacts on the final whistle in the Six Nations international rugby union match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield Stadium. Photo: AFP
In his latest BBC column the former England and Lions back Jeremy Guscott has been critical of the England set-up.
Guscott, who made 65 appearances for England, gave his thoughts after England suffered successive Six Nations losses to Scotland and France.
"England are over-thinking it at the moment, their top players are playing well below their best and the way Eddie Jones is preparing the team is not working."
Guscott said many England players weren't making the right decisions and were giving away far too many penalties.
England lost 22-16 to France at the weekend, which handed Ireland the title, that followed the Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland at Murrayfield.
"While England are losing, there are going to be more questions asked. The only way they stop those questions is by beating Ireland."
The two sides meet at Twickenham this weekend.
"England's best players are playing well below their best at the moment, so people make the assumption that the team lacks leaders."
Jeremy Guscott Photo: BBC
"In the current squad, England only have three world-class players - Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola, and Elliot Daly. That's it. The likes of Mako Vunipola and Anthony Watson are good internationals but when they are struggling to play at their very best, that puts a massive amount of pressure on the world-class players."
"But the biggest leader in the England camp is Eddie Jones. And at the moment the way he is preparing the team and his messages to them just aren't on the money. "
Guscott said the England players looked tired.
-BBC
