England's victory over an inexperienced Japan side offers little solace for head coach Steve Borthwick after a disappointing autumn filled with near misses. As the year comes to a close, one has to wonder what the best outcome could have been for England in their final Test. Perhaps a win like this was the most they could hope for, but it feels like a game they were destined to lose. Throughout this autumn, it has been all too easy to declare a crisis for England, especially as their losing streak extended. However, it’s worth noting that with just a few minor adjustments, the narrative could have been significantly different. A missed opportunity at the end of the match against the All Blacks or a late twist in the game against Australia could have turned this campaign into something more positive. Ultimately, while the win against Japan may provide a temporary lift, it does little to mask the challenges that lie ahead for Borthwick and his team.