Steve Borthwick’s England has achieved victories over higher-ranked teams just twice, facing Argentina in their Rugby World Cup opener and Ireland during this year’s Six Nations. England is set to face New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series at Twickenham on November 2, with kick-off scheduled for 15:10 GMT. Fans can tune in for live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and through the BBC Sport website.

The margin of defeat against elite teams has often been razor-thin. England lost by a single point to New Zealand in Dunedin this past July, by two points to France in Lyon earlier this year, and by one point to South Africa in Paris last autumn. The gap between England and the sport’s top-tier teams is narrow yet significant.

This autumn season presents an opportunity for England to establish itself among rugby’s elite with critical victories that could enhance their standing. Key players have expressed the urgency of transforming past disappointments into tangible results. Vice-captain Ben Earl emphasized that “the time is now” for this shift, while Maro Itoje highlighted the importance of winning, reflecting on the legacy of England great Martin Johnson.

Playing at home offers a strategic advantage; under Borthwick’s leadership, only six out of 24 matches have been played at Allianz Stadium. Their last home game stood out as a remarkable performance, where they halted Ireland’s Grand Slam ambitions. The atmosphere that day energized the crowd and erased memories of earlier disappointing losses.

Joe Marler stirred up controversy with comments about New Zealand’s haka, prompting mixed reactions ahead of the match. New Zealand coach Scott Robertson acknowledged awareness among his players regarding these remarks, suggesting they will address it before kick-off. England captain Jamie George noted that Marler may have “poked the bear,” indicating potential ramifications.

To secure a win against New Zealand, England must not only bolster their physical game but also maintain mental resilience. The absence of Ethan de Groot from the All Blacks due to not meeting internal standards could be advantageous for England’s scrum setup. Ben Spencer’s kicking skills will be crucial as he steps in for the injured Alex Mitchell, with Tommy Freeman poised to chase his kicks downfield.

With stakes high in various positions due to injuries and lack of playing time among key players, England’s strategy must be adaptable. They rely heavily on both physical prowess and tactical acumen to overcome the historical dominance of New Zealand, who are currently navigating their own transitional phase with a mix of experienced and newer players.

Victory for England could mark a pivotal moment as they seek to ascend rugby’s ranks and secure their place among the best this autumn season brings.