I DON’T like Eddie’s loose talk, but I DO like his team

FOR years the message in the England camp has been the same: don’t give the opposition any ammunition.

Coaches and players have come and gone adhering to the same credo that loose talk can cost matches, especially in the home nations.

Don’t give an inch, we were told, be it a column inch or anywhere else. Don’t give them any motivation. Make them create their own.

So to see the footage of England’s head coach insulting Wales and today’s opponents Ireland came as a shock. Personally, I was disappointed and, as an Englishman, slightly embarrassed.

Those Ireland players will be bouncing in the changing room, having to peel themselves off the ceiling because they’re so excited about the chance to win a Grand Slam. Now someone can throw in: “And, by the way, their coach doesn’t respect us”. It gives them an extra half or one per cent.

A tough task just got tougher for England but hope is not lost for them as I like the team Eddie has picked, certainly the back line and front five.

I like Richard Wigglesworth (right) and Owen Farrell at half-back to steady the ship and direct the team. I think that will prove effective.

I like that he has picked big, powerful ball carriers in the pack, as long as they truck it up in the right areas. I like the prospect of England at last getting momentum – and the liberating impact that could have on Anthony Watson (right), Elliot Daly and Jonny May.

After two defeats in which we have barely seen England’s strike runners, the threat should be back – even against an unbeaten and very decent Ireland side.

It’s about playing in the right areas. When England lose to Ireland it tends to be because they fall foul of their kicking game and territory, and the way they squeeze the life out of you.

If England want to spoil the party, they need to do that to Ireland.

In short, the half-backs have to get it spot on if Eddie is not to have his words stuffed back down his throat.

It should be a fascinating watch at Twickenham.