‘Our discipline that cost us’published at 19:17 GMT
19:17 GMT
FT: Italy 23-18 England
England Rugby
England head coach Steve Borthwick, speaking to BBC Sport: “Credit to Italy and the way they played. They are a top-quality opposition, and you can see that in each and every one of their performances.
“We are bitterly disappointed. I thought at 60 minutes we had the game under control, but going down to 13 men hurt us badly. They took their one chance very well and were able to get over the line.”
On whether going down to 13 men affected his use of the bench: “From a leadership perspective off the field, with Sam Underhill and Maro off the pitch, we were limited in the changes we were able to make.
“Italy’s aerial game hurt us and created opportunities for them. I think when we get the balance right, this team plays a very good game, but we haven’t got that balance where it needs to be.
“As we look at this over the last 12 months, we have been scoring a lot of tries, but right now we’re not able to apply as much scoreboard pressure as we want because we are not getting over the line. There are a couple of areas, especially in the breakdown, where we are turning over the ball too much.
“Clearly, this is a really challenging and tough time. We talk about intensity all week, and I thought their intensity was very good today, but it was our discipline that cost us. I have seen the players, and they are really feeling this.”