Namibia: Buoyant England eager to end Franco Irish grip on Six Nations – Sport

England head into the Six Nations as genuine contenders to break France and Ireland’s grip on the competition with coach Steve Borthwick relishing the high expectations on his revitalised side.

France and Ireland have shared the last four Six Nations titles between them.

But England have won their last 11 Tests and will be firm favourites to get off to a flying start against struggling Wales at Twickenham on Saturday.

That is despite captain Maro Itoje being on the bench after he…