"If South Africa are the best side in the world, I think France would be right up there just behind them," said England head coach Steve Borthwick this week. Judging by that silver standard, England have come a long way during his three years in charge. In 2023 at Twickenham France ran amok. Damian Penaud gleefully scampering past Alex Dombrandt on his way to the line and a 53-10 scoreline – England's heaviest home defeat – remains an image that haunts the home of English rugby. In 2024 in Lyon England shut that gap. Only a 79th-minute Thomas Ramos penalty ensured a 33-31 win for France. And last year England overtook France, as Elliot Daly glided in for a decisive last-gasp try in a 26-25 victory. A steady incremental improvement year on year? If only it were that simple for Borthwick and his team. Instead, the 2026 Six Nations has cast doubt on the whole project. Defeats by Scotland, Ireland and Italy are new low points to be plotted on the graph.…