Maro Itoje says England can achieve special things under Steve Borthwick in public vote of confidence

Maro Itoje has reaffirmed his support for Steve Borthwick, insisting England can achieve "special things" under his leadership despite an abject Six Nations.

England's Six Nations campaign unravelled as they finished fifth after suffering four successive defeats, including a first-ever international loss to Italy.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney has indicated that Borthwick will be given this summer's tour fixtures in the inaugural Nations Championship to orchestrate a revival.

If Borthwick delivers a satisfactory return against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in July, he will be in a position to see his contract through to its expiry after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Itoje accepts England fell below expectations in the Six Nations having entered the tournament on an 11-Test winning run but has expressed his belief that Borthwick and his coaching staff can turn things around.