England's World Cup Hopes: Jonny May's Verdict

May backs England to bounce back under Borthwick

Jonny May believes England can still win the World Cup despite Six Nations struggles under Steve Borthwick. Read his verdict on England's chances.

"We stuck together and worked hard, and we became arguably the best team in the world in that World Cup season and lost the final to South Africa...”

Jonny May's backing Steve Borthwick despite England's Six Nations struggles.

May believes England can bounce back and win the World Cup, despite recent losses. 

Jonny May's seen England's ups and downs, winning back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2016 and 2017, then struggling to finish fifth in 2018.

May's pointing to England's 2019 turnaround, where they beat New Zealand en route to the World Cup final, as proof they can bounce back under Borthwick. 

“We lost to Scotland away, France away, Ireland at home. We went on tour to South Africa and lost the first two,” May said.

"We stuck together and worked hard, and we became arguably the best team in the world in that World Cup season and lost the final to South Africa.

“So things can change quickly.”

Jonny May admits England's recent performances “haven't been good enough” and fans expect more.

“But as a player who's been there and been through that, I know that they'll learn and they've got some very young, talented players, and this is just a big learning curve for them,” said May, who scored 36 tries in 78 Test matches during his 10-year England career.

England vs France: May's Prediction

England takes on France in Paris this Saturday, with Les Bleus chasing a second straight title. Jonny May thinks England's unlikely to pull off a shock, saying they're “going into this game as underdogs with nothing to lose” and “it could be a fair bit closer than what people think.”  

Jonny May acknowledges England's discipline issues and slow starts hurt them, but insists “all is not lost.” 

“When we won 12 in a row... we probably weren't quite as good as everybody was saying,” he said.

Jonny May defends Steve Borthwick, saying he was brought in “to shake things up a little bit” after Eddie Jones' sacking. May believes Borthwick's the right man for the job despite criticism. 

“And now we've lost three in a row, we're probably not as bad as everybody's saying - the margins are fine.”

“He's actually done a great job. He got us, against the odds, to a (World Cup) semi-final (in 2023).

“And beyond that, he's rejuvenated the team and there's some great young players.”

Jonny May thinks England's current struggles 18 months out from the World Cup “is not necessarily such a bad thing.”

Next up: France 🌹 pic.twitter.com/l2f4N1fPxd

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 9, 2026

“Rugby can smack you down when you least expect it,” he added.

“But if it's going to happen, it's a great time for it to happen because there's time to learn and go away and improve before a World Cup, which is what any cycle is all about.

“By the time the World Cup comes around, this England team is going to be competitive and give themselves the best possible chance of winning it.”

Jonny May thinks England can be in the mix for the World Cup despite tough competition from New Zealand, France, and South Africa.

May, 36 next month, has no regrets about retiring from international rugby after the last World Cup. 

“I feel very lucky to have... ended up playing for Angouleme, the nicest family club, and really opened my eyes to how amazing French rugby is,” he said, with just a few months left on his two-year contract.

The final round 🌹

Steve Borthwick has named his match day squad to face France this Saturday.@O2 | #WearTheRose

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 10, 2026

“I feel very much at peace with my international career and I did everything I possibly could and played my best possible rugby for England, and did it for a long time.”