Blame me - coach Eddie Jones takes the rap for dismal England defeat

They opened their defence of the Six Nations with a dismal 11-6 home loss versus opponents who had not won at Twickenham since 1983.

Scotland utterly outplayed England who, in the first half, had just 25 per cent possession.

Asked if he would have time to change tactics before Italy arrive this Saturday, Jones replied: “We didn’t have any tactics today as we couldn’t get the ball.

“You have to have the ball to have some tactics. We need to be able to win the ball which we weren’t able to do today.”

Rarely have England’s pack been so comprehensively outgunned. But Jones – who accepted responsibility for failing to adequately prepare his side – maintains he was not “shocked” by those alarming possession statistics.

“The game of rugby can be like that when the opposition have an edge and you’re finding a way to try and get back into the game,” added the Australian.

“And you’re just looking for a solution of how you can try change that around. We have those days sometimes. We just accept it wasn’t a good day for us.

“Scotland were too good on the day. And when you play like that there is something wrong with your preparation.

“Sometimes you never find out (why), sometimes you do.”

Jones said first-choice props Mako Vunipola (injured) and Kyle Sinckler (suspended) would be available to return this weekend.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said: “I came down here a number of times as a player and then as a coach and hadn’t come away with anything.

“So this result is definitely up there with the best-ever results in our history, and certainly myself in my coaching career.”

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