Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, will have mixed feelings about the almost-imminent British and Irish Lions tour to Australia. He will be pleased that his team’s second place in this year’s Six Nations will have bolstered the selection case for many of his charges.

Steve Borthwick says he wants as many England players as possible to tour with the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer. The Guinness Six Nations runners-up look set for double-figure representation in the Lions squad that will be announced on May 8.

Steve Borthwick's England completed their Six Nations campaign in style with a number of players impressing during a dominant win against Wales