“Struggling to progress” – England handed tough 2023 Rugby World Cup group

Sir Ian McGeechan holds the belief that unless substantial efforts are undertaken, England could face the risk of an early elimination in the group stage of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

The tenure of head coach Steve Borthwick, who assumed the role after Eddie Jones, has been tumultuous over the past eight months.

McGeechan, in light of selecting his squad in advance, expresses concern about the progression of the England team within their group.

“So, where do England go from here? They simply have to accelerate from Saturday if they are to stand a chance of getting out of their group,” wrote McGeechan in his column for The Telegraph.

“Continue in this vein, and I’m not sure they will get beyond a quarter-final. That being said, the situation is rectifiable – but it is going to require some serious graft with time running out.

“Continue in this vein, and I’m not sure they (@EnglandRugby )will get beyond a quarter-final. That being said, the situation is rectifiable – but it is going to require some serious graft with time running out.” Sir Ian McGeechan in @TelegraphSport

— chris jones (@chrisjonespress) August 20, 2023

“England need more high-speed training – fast. Admittedly, a run-out against Fiji next weekend is probably the ideal opposition to provide that. The Fijians will want to move the ball from everywhere, quickly, and it could break up and be loose.

“If England are not more harmonious in their attack then it could spell trouble. Borthwick will want to accelerate this week, into next Saturday – and beyond – to evolve that fluency and understanding.

“Being in an easier pool helps England build into the tournament, but next week’s game against Fiji is crucial. If there is not a significant improvement

FULL 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP DRAW:

POOL A

1. New Zealand
2. France
3. Italy
4. Uruguay
5. Namibia

POOL A FIXTURES:

• Sep 8: France vs New Zealand (Pool A) – Stade de France, Saint-Denis
• Sep 9: Italy vs Namibia (Pool A) – Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
• Sep 14: France vs Uruguay (Pool A) – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille
• Sep 15: New Zealand vs Namibia (Pool A) – Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse
• Sep 20: Italy vs Uruguay (Pool A) – Stade de Nice, Nice
• Sep 21: France vs Namibia (Pool A) – Stade Velodrome, Marseille
• Sep 27: Uruguay vs Namibia (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
• Sep 29: New Zealand vs Italy (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
• Oct 5: New Zealand vs Uruguay (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon
• Oct 6: France vs Italy (Pool A) – Parc OL, Lyon

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

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