SIR CLIVE WOODWARD’S
WORLD CUP BEST: WINNERS — 2003 COACH: EDDIE JONES
ONE of the most experienced coaches in the world, not least at the World Cup having coached Australia to the final in 2003, helped South Africa to victory in 2007 and pulled off the greatest shock in the tournament’s history when his Japan team beat South Africa in 2015. There have been a few bumps in the road, but Jones has found his mojo again.
CAPTAIN: OWEN FARRELL
THIS guy knows how to win. At the heart of Saracens’ glory years and brings that confidence and mental strength to the England squad. Has so much on his plate as captain and goal-kicker that I would prefer him to start at 12.
KEY MAN: MARO ITOJE
SLIGHT dip after the Lions tour in 2017 but the Saracens lock is back to his best now. Energy and abrasiveness he brings to the pack is key.
VERDICT:
ENGLAND have the quality and strength in depth to win this World Cup. I have no o problem with them m saying that, but they must not get ahead d of themselves. England’s total focus over the next three weeks must be the pool games and the initial challenge is those opening two in five days against Tonga and USA. I don’t on’t want to see Englandd easing i into the tournament. I want them to hit the ground running and to use their excellent squad to put these two tough but limited Tier Two nations away in style, honing that fast-ftempo game g that will be needed further furth down the line. EnglandEn then hhave a nine-iday break before the Argentina game which I believe they will win to secure a quarter-final place. Then they must look to finish the pool in style against France. Thereafter it becomes sudden death but there is no team in this tournament England will fear. Nobody will want to meet them. They have a top coach and an extremely talented squad. Seize the moment.