England beat Australia 45-22 to ease pressure on Borthwick

England beat Australia 45-22 at Twickenham, scoring seven tries to give head coach Steve Borthwick a timely boost after a difficult year and questions about unity within the squad.

Jamie George, Henry Chessum, Joe Heyes, Jack van Poortvliet, Henry Pollock (twice) and Ben Spencer crossed for England. Australia replied with tries from Max Jorgensen, Filipo Daugunu and Jeremy Williams.

England led 19-10 at half-time after Jorgensen intercepted a pass and ran in a try just before the break. Van Poortvliet restored their cushion soon after the restart, and two tries from substitute Pollock stretched the lead to 38-10. Australia’s late scores narrowed the margin before Spencer’s interception try sealed the win.

The build-up had been clouded by England’s poor form through much of 2026 and reports of a rift between players and coaches during the summer. Senior players had insisted on Friday that the squad and staff remained united. The performance was England’s most complete of the year, according to BBC Sport, but tougher tests lie ahead, including New Zealand’s visit in a fortnight.

England also face injury concerns: centre Seb Atkinson left with a leg injury, while wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso did not return after half-time and was seen in a protective boot after the match. Feyi-Waboso had made a major impact before going off, leading the match for metres gained with 113 from eight carries.

The result gives Borthwick breathing space, but leaves him with fitness questions before the rest of England’s autumn campaign. Australia coach Les Kiss must also address a heavy defeat with a home Rugby World Cup less than a year away.