No wonder England are so strong with this production line

THE U20 World Cup has been compelling viewing as ever and I hope the lads can finish the job against New Zealand in today’s final.

It’s an even more remarkable achievement given they have lost their best five players to the senior side in Argentina.

Since that epic final against New Zealand in 2011, England have steadily developed into the top team after the Kiwis had dominated the tournament for years.

With Eddie Jones fast-tracking the top talent, the pathway is now set for these lads to move quickly from being the best in the world for their age, to best in the world. Full stop.

With the success in 2013, 2014 and 2016, with a runners-up place in 2015, the full England squd is fast becoming dominated by these youngsters.

The old guard still hold four of the aces in the pack – Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Chris Robshaw and James Haskell – and Mike Brown and Danny Care are still there in the backs. Everyone else has graduated from the from the U20s, beginning with Ben Youngs and Courtney Lawes in 2008.

This U20s production line has proved a fantastic breeding ground for a winning culture. Long may it continue. GEORGE WOODWARD via email