Do England have what it takes to win the Rugby World Cup?

Despite players and fans alike looking forward to a mouth-watering showdown with France to see who would come out on top of Pool C, the group ended in a bit of an anti-climax for England. A typhoon forecast to be hitting Tokyo on the weekend of the match caused World Rugby officials to cancel the game out of fears for the safety of players and supporters alike. 

The result is that the game is scored as a 0-0 draw, meaning both sides get two points apiece, and England go through to the quarter-finals as pool winners. It’s a strange situation for Eddie Jones’ men to find themselves in, but Jones has said that although he and his players are disappointed, the decision must be respected. “Everyone's disappointed - we wanted to play against France," he said. "We have put a lot of physical work, emotional, tactical work into it, but the situation is one we don't control. World Rugby has made a decision and we've got no issue with it and we're just getting on with it now.”

England’s quarter-final opponents are set to be Australia, as the Wallabies seem likely to finish in second place in Pool D unless Uruguay can upset Wales. That would be a huge fixture, especially given the fact that a defeat to Australia knocked England out of the last World Cup. Revenge may be on the minds of many players, but this England side is undoubtedly in a much better place than their 2015 incarnation and is certainly more fancied in the latest rugby world cup odds.

In Owen Farrell, England have a player with the ability to unlock defensive lines, and his form will be crucial in the knockout stages. When Farrell plays well, England invariably play well, which goes to show the influence the 28-year-old has on the team. While he has not been at the peak of his powers in England’s opening matches at the World Cup, supporters will be hoping that he is saving his best for the quarter-finals and beyond.

In winger Jonny May and fullback Anthony Watson, England have players with great experience to go forward with. Between them, the two men have notched some 40 tries for their country, and those scoring qualities will be needed if England are to attain World Cup glory. Lock Maro Itoje is a key player when it comes to winning the ball from a scrum or lineout. The giant Saracens man is crucial in England’s ability to keep possession in the flow of play. 

On paper, England has a squad capable of competing for the trophy, but they will need that extra something if they are to topple Australia or the likes of New Zealand down the line, should they advance. Perhaps the pain of four years ago can be used as motivation for this England side. The humiliation of exiting their own World Cup at the pool stage can be used as an extra incentive for this side to right a few wrongs and prove their international worth. 

There is always the spirit of the 2003 side to draw inspiration from – Jonny Wilkinson’s incredible drop goal in extra time that won the World Cup for England for the first time. In Jones, England has a coach with the ability to get the best out of this squad. He has already shown that through England’s past performances throughout his tenure. He will be as motivated as anyone to crown his four years in charge with World Cup glory.