\u2014 Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n There was good reason to think England were contenders ahead of the competition, given their formidable form and winning streak ahead of the tournament.<\/p>\n \n Recommended\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n However; their game has not adapted since that run and the regression has been alarming for Borthwick and fans alike.<\/p>\n England captain Maro Itoje took acountabilty after the game but it was a lack of discipline from the world class lock that gave Italy the initiative.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udde3 “It’s obviously disappointing.”<\/p>\n \ud83d\udde3 “We have to face the facts and face the reality and just get back to work.”<\/p>\n \ud83d\udde3 “Teams go through tough periods, and we’re going through a tough period now.”<\/p>\n England captain Maro Itoje after their loss to Italy.#GuinnessM6N<\/a> | #ITAvENG<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/J0zLwIyOjy<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Borthwick’s men were reduced to 13 in what was ultimately the turning point of the game after Itoje needlessly slapped away the ball during an Italian maul.<\/p>\n \ud835\uddec\ud835\uddd8\ud835\udddf\ud835\udddf\ud835\udde2\ud835\uddea \ud835\uddd6\ud835\uddd4\ud835\udde5\ud835\uddd7 \ud83d\udfe8<\/p>\n England are down to 13 men!#GuinnessM6N<\/a> | #ITAvENG<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Hmky4MxTCn<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Rob Kearney slammed ‘braindead’ Maro Itoje moment<\/p>\n The reaction in the Virgin Media studio was nothing short of scathing – with Ireland legend Rob Kearney sharing his befuddlement with Itoje’s decision.<\/p>\n I honestly don’t know what is going through his head,” Kearney said.<\/p>\n “You can’t slap the ball out of the 9’s hand… there is no upside to it.<\/p>\n “It is just a complete brain wobble.”<\/p>\n Ian Madigan gave further context to the moment.<\/p>\n ‘In the modern game, if the ref misses it, the TMO is still never missing that.<\/p>\n “It is a huge turning point in the game.<\/p>\n It looks like they are not playing for the coach… Their discipline was really poor tonight – when Itoje gave away that penalty…<\/p>\n Kearney added: “That was such a braindead penalty to give away and it was the turning point in the game.”<\/p>\n An act unbecoming of a former Lions captain and one which has no doubt piled the pressure both on the England squad and head coach Borthwick.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO:\u00a0Six Nations Permutations: How Ireland Can Win The Championship On Final Weekend<\/a><\/p>\n
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