Everything you need to know about England in the Rugby World Cup 2019

Team Preview

This week, we’re previewing the 2003 World Cup winners and current world number 4, England’s Rugby World Cup Team.

Recent History

England’s started this year’s 6 nations with a bang winning their opening match in Dublin which lead many to think they would be triumphant grand slam winners but they were brought back down with a humbling defeat to Wales. The win against Ireland shows that England have the capacity to beat big teams in pressure situations but with a patchy form leading into 2018 there remains a few questions hanging over Eddie Jones’ men.

Last World Cup

England might’ve hosted the last Rugby World Cup in 2015, but that by no means meant the team were on form for it. 2015’s RWC saw England knocked out in the group stage after a poor captain’s call led to a loss against Wales and a thrashing from an outstanding performance by Australia. They will be determined to get further this time around!

The Coach: Eddie Jones

It’s been a mixed period for Eddie Jones in his 4 years as England coach, seeing in the team’s record-breaking winning streak (overseeing England become the world’s number 2 team), but also a pretty appalling Six Nations back in 2018.

The Aussie rugby coach wasn’t in charge for England’s disastrous 2015 campaign, instead leading Japan to some famous victories. With this World Cup potentially being his last, he’s looking to give fans a bigger and better show than ever.

The Captain: Dylan Hartley (tbc)

It’s been a rocky start to the year for Dylan Hartley and, depending on his injuries, he may or may not continue to be England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup captain. The England hooker dealt with multiple concussions already this year, missing a good chunk of the Six Nations. Having missed too many important games through injury and suspension throughout his career he’ll be desperate to lead England out and the saints man set piece expertise will be missed should he not be fit.

The Key Player: Owen Farrell

There are still a number of key positions to be nailed down, but if Owen Farrell isn’t on the list then that’ll be a real shocker. Not only is Farrell one of the world’s most reliable kickers and playmakers, but the Saracens fly-half has helped guide his team through multiple European cup wins. If he manages to keep control of his aggression, we could be seeing a peak Owen Farrell.

Our Prediction

With the likelihood of a real first-class team on the pitch for this world cup - we’re talking Farrell, Itoje, the Vunipola brothers and way more - we reckon England are more than capable of reaching the semi finals and possible beyond. Will the England fans’ be heard singing Swing Low in Yokohama this November? There’s still a while to go before we find out.

Did you know?

England won the World Cup in 2003 and is the only northern hemisphere side to ever win it.

Wanna watch the England in action? Belushi’s Bars across Europe will be showing all of the key fixtures from the Rugby World Cup live on HD screens. Book your table on Belushis.com.

Their Fixtures

Written by Ben Kelly and Darcy King