STEVE BORTHWICK has received the backing of Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney with Maro Itoje declaring it is the players who should be blamed for England’s crisis.

England sank to a third consecutive defeat and a historic first loss to Italy when they fell 23-18 at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, raising serious questions about the team’s direction under Borthwick.

If they lose to France in Paris on Saturday, it will register their worst ever Six Nations performance of just one victory.

Sweeney, however, is remaining loyal to his embattled head coach.

He said: “After a 12-match winning run, these past three results have been hugely disappointing and we feel that just as much as everyone else.

“Steve and his coaching team are working tirelessly to make improvements and we remain fully committed to supporting them and the players as they face France this weekend and then look ahead to the Nations Championship.”

England started the Six Nations by crushing Wales to extend their winning run to 12 Tests but then suffered emphatic defeats by Scotland and Ireland that destroyed their title ambitions, with the collapse in Rome a further indignity.

Matt Dawson, Ben Youngs and Ugo Monye are among the former internationals to criticise various aspects of Borthwick’s regime, including tactics, selection and the lack of leadership, and Sweeney has promised an investigation into recent events.

But Itoje, the team’s captain, believes Borthwick should not be in the crosshairs for recent setbacks.

“It’s on us. We need to be better. Steve can’t play the game for us. Myself as captain and the rest of the senior guys, we take responsibility. Steve is definitely the right guy for the job. He’s a fantastic coach.”