No World Cup hangover in Paris for England, says Ford
GEORGE FORD insists England will not suffer from a World Cup hangover when the Six Nations kicks off next month.
England will open their tournament against France in Paris on February 2 as they bid to reclaim the title they last won in 2017.
The tournament will mark the first for Eddie Jones’s side since their impressive World Cup campaign ended with a limp defeat to South Africa in the final.
But fly-half Ford, who has won 65 Test caps, has demanded that the disappointment of Japan must act as a springboard to future success.
“It is not a hangover, let’s instead be excited about getting better,” Ford, 26, said.
“I can see that is what people will say, but it is our responsibility
to make sure that is not the case. I am sure Eddie will make sure that is not the case, too.
“Let’s use the experiences we have gained from Japan, and use the things we did well, and use the things we could have done better at. Of course there are times when you sit back and reflect, but instead of thinking it is a clean slate, and let’s start again, we are going to build on what happened at the World Cup, and we are actually going to get better. That has to be the mindset.”
Ahead of the Six Nations, Jones, who names his squad for the tournament on Monday, has revamped his backroom staff, announcing this week the appointments of England Sevens boss Simon Amor and former South African coach Matt Proudfoot.
Amor will oversee the attack as successor to Scott Wisemantel, while Proudfoot takes charge of the forwards.
Jones’s own future as head coach remains uncertain with the 59-year-old Australian out of contract next year.