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England lost to Ireland 27-22 in the Six Nations opener, with Maro Itoje emphasizing the need for improvement.

England faced a tough challenge in their opening match of the 2025 Six Nations Championship, succumbing to Ireland with a score of 27-22 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Despite the defeat, head coach Steve Borthwick expressed optimism, noting that the team made a "step forward" in their performance.

The match showcased Ireland`s dominance, particularly in the second half, where they scored three tries, effectively controlling the game. England struggled to maintain territory and momentum, especially during the critical third quarter. Maro Itoje, making his debut as captain, highlighted the significance of every point in the tournament and acknowledged the need for improvement in territory control and consistency.

At halftime, Ireland led 10-7, but they extended their advantage in the second half with standout performances from players like James Lowe, Bundee Aki, and Dan Sheehan. England managed to secure a losing bonus point by scoring two tries in the final five minutes, showcasing their resilience despite the loss.

In the standings after the first round, France leads with a remarkable points difference of +43 following their 43-0 victory over Wales. Ireland sits in third place with a points difference of +5, while England is currently fourth with a points difference of -5.

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