Maro Itoje: England can beat everyone in the Six Nations

New captain Maro Itoje says England can confound their critics by winning a Grand Slam in the upcoming Six Nations.

England have not finished higher than third since their most recent title in 2020 and have won only five of their 12 Tests in 2024.

“If we do our job, if we are the team we believe we can be, we can win,” Itoje told BBC Sport. “There is no team in this tournament we can’t beat.”

Itoje took over the role this week from Jamie George, who himself became captain just 12 months ago.

The 30-year-old will lead England in the Six Nations opener Test match against defending champions Ireland on February 1.

England beat Ireland at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham last year and Itoje says the scale of the occasion could bring out the best in him and his teammates again.

“We know Ireland are a great team and the Aviva is a great place to play,” he said.

“It’s a huge game to get our fingers crossed and get excited about. I can’t wait. These are the challenges that bring out the best in me and the team.”

Itoje was part of the England team that memorably defeated defending champions and title favorites Ireland in Dublin on the opening weekend of the 2019 Championship.

Eddie Jones, who was sacked as England coach in 2022, was the architect of that victory.

The Australian, who will be the pundit for ITV Sport’s coverage of this year’s Six Nations, had previously doubted Itoje’s leadership abilities, claiming the second row was “too inward looking” and “usually “does not affect people outside the US.”