Maro Itoje and Steve Borthwick set clear ambition after 2027 Rugby World Cup draw

England captain Maro Itoje and head coach Steve Borthwick insist that their ambition is nothing short of winning the World Cup, following the announcement of the tournament draw. 

The 2003 winners return Down Under and are joined by familiar foes Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in Pool E.

If the tournament plays out as expected, they will be on the favourable side of the draw – away from South Africa and New Zealand until the final. 

Itoje made no attempt to play down expectations after the draw was revealed.

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Planning starts now

The Saracens forward stressed that any genuine push for a World Cup crown must begin long before matchday one.

He told Sky Sports: “Our ambition is to do very well and win this tournament. That’s definitely our goal, that’s our aim, that’s our objective,” Itoje said.

“To do that, we know we have to make sure we get our preparation right. The next two years leading to the World Cup is massive.”

Itoje acknowledged the pressure surrounding England but insisted it is something he thrives on.

“I relish the expectation because the converse would not be ideal,” said Itoje.

“If this England team had no expectation or you played for a team that had no hopes, that’s a situation I don’t want to be in.”

Rampant England full of confidence 

Borthwick echoed his skipper’s confidence, reaffirming that England are openly targeting glory in 2027.

He highlighted how much the England squad has evolved since the 2023 tournament.

Borthwick told Sky Sports: “We’ve been very clear in stating that our aim is to win the World Cup in 2027. We are working towards it.

”The team is progressing; it’s transitioned a lot since the last World Cup over the last 18 months.

“It’s an exciting new England team. They’re on a path of development, and we want to accelerate that path.”

Connecting with supporters

Borthwick also stressed the importance of the journey as much as the destination.

He said: “I want to make sure our supporters in Australia in two years’ time have loads to cheer about and that we make a load of incredible memories with them.”

Ultimately, Borthwick says everything will come down to preparation. 

He added: “It’s going to come back to how hard the players work in their preparation — outside of camp and in camp. We want to make sure we’re putting in that hard work.”

READ MORE: England to face Wales in group stage at 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup