England Runner-ups 2007

England exceeded all expectations in France 2007, going all the way to the finals and competing against winners South Africa, a big turnaround after taking a drubbing from them in the pool stages. England played a limited game plan but still managed to squeeze wins against Australia quarter-finals and France in the semis, eventually going down 6-15 to South Africa. For 2011 they find themselves in one of the easier pools, Pool B with Argentina, Scotland, Europe 1 and the play-off winners.

England have new shirts for this years Cup. The shirt has changed considerably from previous versions with a red flash on the white shirt and white flash on the red, the jury is out on if these are attractive or not but they certainly are distinctive.The shirt is made by Nike and features further developments on the tight fit first seen at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. To place your order and view other England shirts visit the England Rugby World Cup Shirts page

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The dark horses Of Previous World Cups

In previous world cups, England lost on home soil to Australia in 1991, lost in the 1995 semi-finals to a Jonah Lomu inspired New Zealand and failed in Wales in 1999, due in no small part to the boot of South African, J De Beers and his record five drop goals. However this all change in Australia in 2003 when they took the crown and then in 2007 when they made the finals.

Pool B The Easier route in 2011

England have stuttered since winning the world cup 2003 and come into the competition without great confidence or expectations as they continue to seek a new style in a lowly 6th place world ranking. Expect them to progress from pool B with Argentina.

England News

England EPS Squads 2010/11 named - England Team Manager Martin Johnson has named the 32-man Senior and Saxons Elite Player Squads for the 2010/11 season

Maori Centenary Season Clean Sweep - New Zealand Maori 35-28 England - England came up short in the final match of their summer tour as they bowed to the power and pace of the New Zealand Maori in Napier

England play fast and loose and Win - Australia 20-21 England - England gained their first important victory under Martin Johnson's managerial tenure as they edged a pulsating second Test in Sydney to level the series 1-1

Teams for Australia England test 2 - Australia v England ANZ Stadium, Sydney Saturday, 19 June Kick-off: 1100 BST Coverage: Sky Sports 1

Aussie Flair is not blunted by English Power - Australia 27-17 England - England's forwards threatened to earn them a remarkable victory in the first Test but Australia held on to win in Perth despite being smashed in the scrum