Ugo Monye: England ‘backed into a corner’ ahead of autumn opener with Australia
Ugo Monye argues England have been backed into a corner as they prepare to begin their autumn campaign against Australia, in a Guardian column published on 7 November 2026. He says that pressure could bring out England’s best but cautions that emotional control will be crucial.
Monye writes that England are riled up and feel they have a point to prove, a state he links to historically strong performances when their backs are against the wall and to patterns during Steve Borthwick’s tenure. He cites England’s Six Nations game against France—which they did not win but which he describes as their best performance of that campaign—as evidence that a siege mentality can galvanise the side. Monye adds that the current selection and circumstances make him more confident in an England victory.
The column stresses the risk of overexuberance early in the match and places responsibility on Maro Itoje, noting that Itoje “wasn’t on the summer tour” and that his return as captain feels rejuvenating. Monye writes that, as a leader, Itoje “must ensure that England find the right emotional pitch without overstepping the line” and that “This performance is going to be all about emotion now and Maro must make sure it does not boil over.”
Monye points to the England bench as a source of reassurance, saying the selection gives him confidence and that it “feels like England have got their Pom Squad back.” He notes long-term injuries to Fin Baxter and Will Stuart removed a weapon from Borthwick but that the coach again has the ability to empty his bench for the fourth quarter, which Monye expects to be crucial on Sunday.
The breakdown battle is singled out as pivotal, with Monye listing Australia’s historical and current jackalling practitioners—Phil Waugh, George Smith, David Pocock, Michael Hooper and, “as it is now, Fraser McReight”—and asking whether England can match that work at the breakdown. He frames that question as particularly urgent given recent personnel issues in England’s back row.
Monye reports that Tom Curry was ruled out of contention and says that leaves England light at openside flanker with “no Tom Curry, no Guy Pepper and no Sam Underhill,” making the cupboard “a little more bare than, say, 12 months ago.” He writes that this intensifies pressure on Ben Curry, who has “at times looked the part for England, at other times struggled and has been part of a Sale side who have not exactly pulled up trees this season.”
The column details Steve Borthwick’s concern about differences in breakdown officiating between domestic and Test rugby, arguing that Prem referees are all English and create a “closed shop” compared with exposure to Welsh, Scottish, South African, Irish, French and Italian referees on the European stage. Monye contends that Prem match officials and the domestic environment tend to favour attacking teams, reduce rewards for competing hard at the breakdown and leave players less prepared for the higher standards of international rugby.
Monye concludes by stressing the stakes: there are only nine matches left until the World Cup campaign begins, and he writes that coaches “must have the ability to step back and maintain that panoramic view.” He finishes by saying “the time for building towards next year’s tournament is over. It’s time to produce. Events of this week make getting the right result all the more important.”