The World Cup clues offered by Steve Borthwick ahead of England's crucial autumn

Ahead of England’s crucial autumn run, head coach Steve Borthwick described a team culture where club rivalries don’t permanently spill into international camp. Watching a charged Leicester vs. Northampton derby, Borthwick said the intensity could be a strength: players can compete hard one day and then return as teammates the next. He pointed out that many of the protagonists of Saturday’s on-field flare-up had also vacationed together in Brazil after the summer tour. Looking to the World Cup in Australia next year, Borthwick said a large part of the squad is young—under 25 or 26 for Test level—and that he wants them to “own this team” over the coming year. He referenced having 12 Tests to the World Cup and 10 Tests before naming the 33-man squad, while stating he won’t call a “big training squad.”