Several England players admitted they had not pulled their weight in a team meeting intended to save their poor Six Nations campaign, back row Ben Earl has revealed.

England travel to Rome to take on Italy when the championship resumes this weekend, and rather than finding themselves in title contention, they are fourth in the standings.

Steve Borthwick's team are level with Italy on five points after three matches, having lost to Scotland and Ireland since their dominant success over Wales in week one.

England have never lost three straight matches under Borthwick, and ahead of their clash with the Azzurri, Earl has revealed clear-the-air talks have been held.

"If we're being honest, there's been some challenge from within the playing group," Earl said. "A few of us had a meeting last Wednesday and laid it bare.

"There are people in the squad who don't feel they have pulled their weight or performed well enough. 

"Once you get that out there, it's about how you move forward. There's no point sulking about it."

A 36-player squad has assembled at Pennyhill Park this evening ahead of England’s upcoming @SixNationsRugby clash against Italy @O2 | #WearTheRose pic.twitter.com/ZBMxw3YUZO

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 1, 2026

England have won each of their 26 matches against Italy in the Six Nations, with this fixture being the only one where one team boasts a 100% win rate over their opponents in the championship.

With Borthwick reportedly plotting sweeping changes, Earl expects a big reaction. 

He added: "Like I said, there's not been a refocusing because we're always focused. But there’s been something different, which has been great.

"I don’t want to say it's a turning point. But I also don't want to downplay it. It's another big moment on our journey, what has happened over the past couple of weeks. 

"It's a good lesson for us. Hopefully we can go out there and do it on Saturday. These are the weeks where boys have a little glint in their eye. They mean business."