Lewsey: Future looks bright for England
They have really been taking the game to the opposition and have shown that they can compete and indeed beat the best sides in the world.
Josh Lewsey
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Josh Lewsey told Sky Sports News that England have been impressive this autumn and are favourites to beat South Africa at Twickenham.
England will go into their final Investec International against the Springboks on the back of wins over Australia and Samoa and a positive showing against the All Blacks. The boks on the other hand have been less than convincing in their narrow wins against Ireland and Wales before losing to Scotland.
"England have got their tails up this and I have been very impressed with them," Lewsey said.
"They have cracked on from their summer tour to Australia and there has been a turning of the tide.
"They are favourites going into Saturday's game but regardless of the result I am hugely buoyant and optimistic.
"There is a real enthusiasm about the way they are playing the game at the moment. They have really been taking the game to the opposition and have shown that they can compete and indeed beat the best sides in the world."
Lewsey who was part of the 2003 World Cup winning team captained by Martin Johnson, believes it is too early to get carried away but the signs are positive ahead of 2011.
"I think it is a bit early to discuss who earns a place on the plane - there is a lot of rugby to be played between now and the World Cup," said Lewsey who won 55 caps for England.
"There are a lot of guys who are going to be knocking on the door who are currently carrying injuries. The positives are that we have got a lot of quality and players competing for places.
"If you want to beat the best sides in the world or indeed attempt to win the World Cup then you need to have the core of your team being world-class players.
"We are seeing the likes of Ben Youngs, Ben Foden and Chris Ashton coming of age. I have been particularly impressed by Ashton and when you have a coming together like that it is amazing what they can achieve. You get the feeling there is a good feeling around the camp which really bodes well."
World Cup building blocks
Lewsey was also delighted that his old England captain has finally got it right as England manager after a few tough years.
"Martin Johnson is his own man, he had a hard couple of years but it took a bit of time for him to get the balance and the dynamics right between the players and his coaches.
"If we are being honest there were periods last season where you were not enthusiastic the way England were playing. Having said that England are there now and I think the whole squad, the players, the coaches and everyone involved needs to have a pat on the back.
"England have they have done exceptionally well but it is all about building blocks and with all due respect these games do not really matter, what matters in the calendar of world rugby is getting to the knock-out stages of the World Cup, so everything they do is building towards that stage.
"But things bode really well at the moment."
