Ford is key to England getting fans back onside
Evening Standard|February 09, 2024
No10 can bring out X Factor in team-mates to banish the memory of last season’s boos
Nick Purewal
Ford is key to England getting fans back onside

THE class of 2024 staged an England's Got Talent night at their recent training camp-but now Steve Borthwick's men must bring the X Factor to Twickenham.

Leicester double-act Ollie Chessum and Freddie Steward are England's latest answer to Ant and Dec, as the squad's new social secretaries.

The talent show helped a new group of players let off steam as well as form tighter bonds, even if some of the acts "got a bit weird", according to captain Jamie George.

Head coach Borthwick will judge his players all he likes, but the Twickenham crowd will always have the final say.

England were booed off the pitch the last time they played at HQ, in the 30-22 defeat by Fiji in August's final World Cup warm-up match.

Borthwick's side had previously suffered their record Twickenham defeat in last year's Six Nations, being ravaged 53-10 by France in March.

Go back to the end of 2022, and home defeats by Argentina and South Africa cost Eddie Jones his job. England's fans could not identify with their team, and the Red Rose men did not even recognise themselves, either.

Borthwick's side exorcised some demons by gaining revenge over both Argentina and Fiji at the World Cup, then so nearly toppled eventual champions South Africa in the semi-finals.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EVENING STANDARDView all
'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger
The London Standard

'She handed over her house key I couldn't believe her trust in me, a complete stranger

As our final appeal total hits £3.46million we talk to a beneficiary of Refugees at Home a charity we are funding thanks to your amazing support

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Make new and lasting changes
The London Standard

Make new and lasting changes

The start of a new year often inspires positive changes, and for those seeking to reclaim their mental health and wellbeing, Ibiza Calm provides a haven of transformation and healing

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings
The London Standard

Feeling run down? Follow your gut feelings

Have you ever wondered why you feel constantly tired, experience brain fog or struggle with health issues like skin problems, pain or mood swings?

time-read
1 min  |
January 23, 2025
The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout
The London Standard

The kitchen is on fire but service is a washout

Chefs: duller than you think. Sporting rumours of delinquency still propagate—’shrooms at award shows, clingfilm mischief — but the naughty boys and girls are largely a lost breed.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Make room for what matters
The London Standard

Make room for what matters

The new year is here, and it's the perfect time to reset and refocus.

time-read
1 min  |
January 23, 2025
She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen
The London Standard

She stars in a Netflix mega hit and now Luciane Buchanan is playing a queen

It has been two years since action thriller The Night Agent landed on Netflix, but Luciane Buchanan, the breakout star of this twisty hit, still gets messages about it — ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?
The London Standard

Will Levy pull the trigger on only answer to Spurs' woes?

Chairman would solve nothing by sacking Ange — he must spend

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?
The London Standard

Why is the capital so full of charity muggers?

Pity the poor souls doing it but it's also a blight on our streets

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025
A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits
The London Standard

A new year in the capital: start with healthy habits

Nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner Tracy Tredoux suggests ways to start the new year as you mean to go on

time-read
2 mins  |
January 23, 2025
Ski's chicest, for before and après
The London Standard

Ski's chicest, for before and après

This season's essential skiing guide for any budget

time-read
4 mins  |
January 23, 2025