England
Team Preview
Coach:
Brian Ashton
Previous World Cups:
1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003
Best Performance:
Champion 2003
Played:
28 - 20 wins, 8 losses
World Ranking:
No.7
Fixtures:
v September USA, Lens, September 8
v September South Africa, Saint-Denis, September 14
v September Samoa, Nantes, September 22
v September Tonga, Paris, September 28
Facts:
1. England is the holder of the World Cup following its extra-time victory over Australia in 2003.
2. It is also the only Northern Hemisphere side to have won the trophy.
3. Jonny Wilkinson's 113-point return in England's successful 2003 campaign made him the second-highest point-scorer in a single competition.
4. Coach Brian Ashton is the third man to coach the side since the win four years ago, following triumphant coach Sir Clive Woodward and Andy Robinson.
5. Prop Jason Leonard won his 114th England cap in the 2003 final - setting an international record. Wallaby George Gregan now holds that title.
Key Players:
JONNY WILKINSON
Given that Wilkinson has missed 32 of England's Tests since his dramatic drop-goal won them the 2003 World Cup final, the defending champion will count its blessings he is currently in one piece.
The Newcastle five-eighth's story has been a tale of woe since that remarkable night in Sydney, suffering one injury setback after another, and it was not until February this year he finally reclaimed the England No.10 shirt.
Despite those prolonged absences - and question marks whether Wilkinson can still dominate games at the highest level - his value to England's World Cup cause is priceless.
Tactically, he might not be quite back to his very best, but goal-kickers invariably win Test matches. Given that Wilkinson averages comfortably more than 15 points a time during a 57-cap England career, the world champions cannot afford to be without him.
MATHEW TAIT
England is often criticised for its lack of attacking flair, relying too much on a bludgeoning approach up front, rather than looking to unlock opposition defences through skill and imagination.
However, in Wilkinson's Newcastle colleague Tait, the world champions have unquestionably unearthed a gem of a talent.
The 21-year-old looks to have secured England's outside centre berth, certainly on the evidence of two summer tour performances against South Africa, when he consistently challenged the Springboks' defence.
Arguably the quickest player in England's World Cup training squad, Tait possesses the pace, strength and creativity to leave audiences gasping and opponents floundering.
PHIL VICKERY
There will never be another Martin Johnson, so there is no point England fans expecting Wasps prop Vickery, the 2007 World Cup skipper, to effortlessly fill the boots of their giant leader four years ago.
Vickery must do things his way, forgetting all about 2003 and moulding the current England squad into a group who, like the Johnson vintage, can think and react on their feet in the heat of battle.
Vickery's tactical acumen will be tested under pressure, and he can expect to be judged on how England responds when the going gets tough, which it could well do in only their second pool game against South Africa at Stade de France.
As in 2003 though, when Johnson had leaders all around him, Vickery must look for similar contributions from the likes of Wilkinson, Jason Robinson, Martin Corry and Lawrence Dallaglio.
MARTIN CORRY
Leicester forward Corry has achieved most things in his rugby career, including a World Cup winner's medal and domestic and European success with his club.
He could now prove a hugely influential figure on England's bid to retain the Webb Ellis Trophy.
What you see is what you get with the 33-year-old warrior. No flashes or frills, just 80-odd minutes of honest toil at the forward coalface.
Corry is often devastatingly effective in the close-quarter combat exchanges, and England will need him to do what he does for club and country week after week by fronting up, taking the pain and then giving plenty in return.
Likely to be used as a lock, rather than his club position of No.8, it wouldn't really matter what jersey number he wears. He is so valuable, England just needs him on the pitch.
TOM REES
In comparison with the likes of Wilkinson and Corry - both England 50-cap club members - Wasps openside flanker Rees is an international novice, having notched up just five Test-match appearances.
But he is the player England has been looking for since Neil Back retired post-2003 World Cup - an out-and-out No.7 quick to the breakdown, destructive in the tackle and tireless in support.
Although only 22, Rees performs with a maturity beyond his years and it says everything about his quality that he is unquestionably one of the first names on England head coach Brian Ashton's team sheet.
Rees might be largely unheralded by England supporters at present, but that could all change during the next few months.