RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 - Josh Lewsey insists "understanding" Jonno can guide England to glory

By Mark Lawford Josh Lewsey insists England’s first Six Nations title since 2003 will stand them in good stead at this year’s World Cup.

The ex-England back, who played in the winning 2003 World Cup side and for the losing finalists four years later, is confident the new-look side can challenge in New Zealand.

And he told Rugby Coach Weekly: “The England team has taken huge strides and come a long way in the last 18 months.

“Things didn’t look good at one stage but now we are the best side in Europe and the players have got the winning habit.

“Everybody wants to beat us again which is a sure sign the team is on the rise.”

Lewsey has pinpointed a change of coaching style for the change in fortunes.

“Martin Johnson has been happy to take on board players’ views and ideas. Because of this, he has not been dictatorial but on the other hand there has not been player anarchy either.

“Jonno has obviously been there and done it as a player himself but he’s not the one doing it on the pitch now. He understands both sides of things and players are responding to that. They like having their views being taken into consideration.

“At the last World Cup we took matters in hand, turned things round and reached the final against the odds. England are the Six Nations champions now but are not quite the finished article.

“What they do have is a great team spirit and are playing exciting rugby that they are all clearly enjoying.

“And with all due respect to every other side in the Six Nations and World Cup, the only matches that matter for them this year are the three knockout games in New Zealand.

“Get those right and anything is possible.”

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