Six Nations: Will Carling questions quality of England coaches

“I still think we’re way off the potential of this team and let’s just hope we start seeing that,” added Carling, who was had a part-time mentoring role with England under Borthwick’s predecessor Eddie Jones.

England vice-captain Ellis Genge said last week former players such as Carling were “out of touch” in their criticism of the team, failing to give them due credit for turning around a run of six defeats in seven Tests earlier in the year.

“I wouldn’t necessarily agree with him,” Carling said. “A lot of ex-players are hugely experienced and have a lot of knowledge.

“But I understand that when you’re a current player you’re highly sensitive.

“You’re trying as hard as you can to win games [and] they’ve had a tough run. Let’s be honest, we’re talking a tough run for three or four years now. That’s where players have to understand people will have opinions.

“I remember all these times we had some very ugly wins and you watch the reaction of the media and the fans.

“It is a bit frustrating but you have to take a deep breath and accept that’s part and parcel of it.”

Carling captained England 59 times, leading them to three Grand Slams and a Rugby World Cup final during the 1990s.