Johnson: England could end up in World Cup group of death... again
MARTIN JOHNSON believes England could face another group of death if they are drawn against France and Argentina at the 2019 World Cup. The draw will take place in Japan on Wednesday, with England among the band one nations, meaning they will avoid New Zealand, Australia and Ireland.
Head coach Eddie Jones will fly out for the event in Kyoto and England’s group stage implosion in 2015 — against Australia and Wales — will be fresh in the memory.
‘You don’t want too easy a ride but there are some teams you’d rather avoid,’ said Johnson, who lifted the 2003 World Cup as England captain. ‘Japan in Japan would be a cracking game, wouldn’t it? I’d love to see England drawn against the hosts.
‘France and Argentina are the teams to avoid from band two and three.
‘During the Six Nations, France showed glimpses of a team on the rise and could be very dangerous by 2019.
‘Argentina always take some beating at the World Cup — they have a history of progressing.’
Johnson also believes this year’s Lions tour to New Zealand will be invaluable for the 16 England players selected in terms of their development towards 2019. ‘It’s a really good experience for them, particularly because England don’t face the All Blacks for a while,’ he said. ‘It will help them learn what it takes to beat the best in the world.’
Without his Lions, Jones has selected 15 uncapped players for the tour of Argentina — an opportunity to blood young talent
such as Test rookies Sam Underhill, Ben Curry, Tom Curry and Denny Solomona.
‘It’s good to see so many youngsters going to Argentina,’ said Johnson.
‘Hopefully Eddie can find half a dozen guys who can become Test match players.’
Martin Johnson is an ambassador for British & Irish Lions principal partner Standard Life Investments.