England's Rugby World Cup schedule as Borthwick's men handed favourable pool

26 August 2023 , 07:00

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England are tipped to top their World Cup pool

England's current crop of stars are aiming to emulate the success from that iconic night in 2003.

Jonny Wilkinson's drop goal in Sydney remains the most famous moment in English rugby and Steve Borthwick's side are tasked with trying to repeat that victory. England go into the tournament, which is host just across the Channel in France, with Luke warm optimism.

England struggled in the Six Nations earlier this season, winning just two of their five games as they were hammered at Twickenham in record-breaking fashion by Les Blues. They were also undone by Ireland and Scotland, but will avoid those three nations until at least the semi-final.

Four years ago in Japan Eddie Jones led England to within 80 minutes of success only to be beaten comprehensively by South Africa. En route the Red Rose were able to down two-time defending champions New Zealand in the semi-finals, but that was as good as it got.

When are England's pool games?

Borthwick's side get their World Cup campaign underway with their most challenging pool game against Argentina on September 9. The Pumas are regulars in the knockout stages and will represent a stern test of England's credentials in Marseille.

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Following that England take on Japan on September 17 in Nice. England finish their pool stage against Chile and Samoa - the two lowest ranked teams in the pool.

England finished fourth in this year's Six Nations

They take on Chile on September 23rd before finishing up against Samoa on October 7 - both games being staged in Lille.

Who are in the other pools?

Pool A features hosts France and New Zealand with the two teams facing off on the opening night. Italy, Uruguay and Namibia complete the quintet.

Defending champions South Africa are in Pool B, the most competitive in the tournament. They will have to negotiate the number one ranked side Ireland as well as Scotland. Tonga and Romania finish off the pool.

There is more home interest in Pool C with Wales hoping to put a shocking Six Nations behind them and progress into the knockout stages. They will have to get past Australia, Fiji, Portugal and Georgia - who put the Welsh less than a year ago.

Samuel Meade