Since reaching the Rugby World Cup final four years ago, England have endured a turbulent time in the international arena. They haven't finished above third in the last three editions of the Six Nations. Not even a victory against Australia down under last summer could save head coach Eddie Jones' job. He has since been replaced by former player Steve Borthwick, and the new man's first job will be ensuring that his nation doesn't capitulate this autumn.
Just as they did four years ago, England have a difficult group awaiting them in France. They have been drawn in Pool D alongside Japan, Argentina, and Samoa, all of whom have the potential to shock. The final team in the pool is Chile, who will be making their Rugby World Cup debut. Despite the continued growth of rugby in America, the South Americans stunned the USA in the final qualifier, winning an exhilarating two-legged tie by just one point, with the contest eventually finishing 52-51 on aggregate.
Knockout Rounds Are the Bare Minimum
Despite Japan and Argentina both providing a threat in the Pool Stage, England will be expected to progress to the knockout stage as Pool D winners. From there, they will have a tough test ahead of them in the form of either Wales or Australia. The former gave a great account of themselves against reigning world champions South Africa last summer. And while England beat the latter on enemy territory recently, the Australians can never be counted out.
There are no guarantees Borthwick's men would get through either of those challenges, but if they do, things don't get any easier in the semifinals. Powerhouses New Zealand, reigning champions South Africa, favourites Ireland and hosts France — who are also the second favourites for glory — would await in the final four. If England do indeed get past Wales or Australia, it's highly likely that the journey will end here, barring a miracle.
However, miracles are something that we have seen from the English in the past, especially in France. The last time Les Bleus hosted the Rugby World Cup, England entered as the reigning champions but massive underdogs on dismal form. They managed to stun the Aussies in the last eight before shocking the hosts in the semifinals. Whether they can repeat the feat remains to be seen, but Steve Borthwick couldn't have a tougher test ahead of him.
