England’s Ellis Genge sends World Cup warning to rivals after historic loss
Was Saturday’s loss to Fiji at Twickenham the lowest point in England Rugby’s history? There is some competition. Their record home defeat to France in the Six Nations this year? Failing to make it out of their pool in the 2015 World Cup? These are all contenders, but the 30-22 loss probably takes the prize, at least for being the lowest point in the professional era for England.
Even the most pessimistic England fans surely did not predict the World Cup preparations for Steve Borthwick’s side could have ended any worse. Then again, it was shambolic August for England as woeful performance followed woeful performance.
England now turn up to the World Cup with their fans’ confidence in the team at an all time low. But loosehead Ellis Genge has sent an emphatic message to everyone following the performance.
Genge took to X on Saturday evening to say “Write us off now, all the best.” That is a bold statement, but it at least shows the England squad have not lost faith in themselves.
The Bristol Bears prop will also be aware that his side have a favourable pool. Argentina pose a strong threat, and Samoa have looked strong, but Japan have had an even worse World Cup preparation than England. With a performance like Saturday’s, progressing from the pool cannot be taken for granted, but England have been gifted the best opportunity to do so.
What’s more is that England have been here before. In 2007 they suffered the indignity of losing 36-0 to South Africa before narrowly losing to the same side in the final a few weeks later. Everyone wrote England off on that occasion, and though they did not win, they proved many doubters wrong. Well the lows have have become even lower for England this time around, and if you have not written off England by now you are either the most ardent optimist ever or can see into the future.
Write us off now, all the best.
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) August 27, 2023
