Six nations 2025: Pundit predictions on potential winners, star players and Lions Bolt
In November, England suffered a narrow defeat by Australia and New Zealand, carrying forward those matches in the closing stages.
He last won six nations in 2020 and was the head of Dublin on Saturday to face Champions Ireland before hosting France at home.
Former England Wing Ugo Mone told BBC Sport: “England are now on a platform that they need to give a title. With the player pool, domestic sports and finance, they have to do this.
“It’s time that the team is very close to its capacity.”
The loss of Captain Seon Tuipulotu for the championship due to injury was a major setback for Scotland, hosting Italy on Saturday.
Former Scotland International Johnny Beatty told BBC Sport: “This is the best Scottish side I have seen. It is the best-coach side and is the best in terms of talent as he won the last five countries in 1999. However, other aspects have a greater depth of talent.
“Tuipulotu has been our brightest spark in the last three years, the way he physically challenges the gainine and brings Hu Jones on a ball with a small pass.
“This will be a huge opportunity for Stafford McDoweval, which operates at a high level in the autumn. He knows its role because it plays Glasgow.
“Success will be a top-three finish for Scotland.”
