Monday 3 August 2015 14:54, UK
Former skipper Martin Johnson believes England are strong contenders for the 2015 Rugby World Cup but must not lose focus by looking beyond the competition’s pool stages.
England have been drawn in a brutal Pool A - the 'Pool of Death' - alongside Australia, Wales, Fiji and South American minnows Uruguay.
England have a good recent record against each of their Pool A opponents but Johnson - the only Englishman to lift the trophy, back in 2003 - believes it is important Stuart Lancaster’s side is not complacent in the tournament’s early stages.
“Everyone knows what a tough pool we are in so winning it is right at the end, that’s the last game,” Johnson told Sky Sports News HQ.
“First game, first kick-off, you get it right and then you go from there.
“Most teams we are due to play we have beaten the last time played them so there’s no reason why (we can’t do it again) but they’ll also be thinking they can beat us. It will be exciting to watch, it really will, it’s going to be a hell of a tournament I hope.”
Johnson also hailed the level of competition in the England squad, adding he is sure Sam Burgess will get a chance to impress after making the switch from rugby league to union last year.
“I think he (Stuart Lancaster) has got lots of guys that have played quite a bit,” Johnson said.
“I’m sure the camp is really competitive because there are lots of guys, 20, maybe more, who will be thinking ‘I can get in this team’. That’s great I hope it raises the level and they go out and play really well.
“He (Burgess) has come over from league and it’s going to be tough. He’s got the skills but he’s got to get in the squad first. I’m sure he’ll get a bit of playing time in the warm-ups, so let’s see how it goes.”
