England vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2026 Six Nations Championship | Round 3
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England and Ireland square off in London with the loser of this match surely out of the title race.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – Peacock
England form: Crushing defeat in Edinburgh
England were well and truly humbled by Scotland last week, losing 31-20 at a deafening Murrayfield with their Six Nations title hopes having been dealt a huge blow by their old rivals.
Their Calcutta Cup defeat, which continued their miserable recent record against the Scots, ended a run of 12 straight victories in international rugby for Steve Borthwick's side.
Last five: WWWWL
Ireland form: Hardly convincing
Ireland came through an almighty scare against Italy in Dublin last week, eventually recording a 20-13 win over the brave Azzurri.
It was hardly the devastating response that Andy Farrell would have wished for after their convincing defeat to France in their Six Nations opener a week prior, so there is clearly still a lot of improvement needed.
Last five: WWLLW
England team news: Three starting changes
Squad: Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Itoje, Chessum, T Curry, Earl, Pollock
Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Van Poortvliet, M Smith
Ireland team news: Crowley recalled
Squad: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong, Ryan, McCarthy, Beirne, Van der Flier, Doris (capt)
Replacements: Kelleher, O'Toole, Bealham, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, O'Brien
England vs Ireland prediction
Back on home turf, England will be eager to distance themselves from last week's humbling defeat to Scotland, and it shouldn't be forgotten that they had won 12 straight international matches leading up to that loss.
Ireland are yet to impress in this year's Six Nations, and after toiling against Italy in Dublin last week, it is hard to see them troubling the hosts.
A strong response should be expected from England here, with Steve Borthwick's side tipped for victory.
England vs Ireland tip: England to win
