"Deluded" - Sir Clive Woodward predicts all four of England's World Cup group matches
Rugby NewsMonday, 04 September 2023 at 08:40
England kick off their 2023 World Cup campaign against Argentina on Sunday in France with Sir Clive Woodward predicting all four of their group games.
Mail Sport columnist and 2003 World Cup winner Woodward has offered his predictions and players to watch from England's pool games.
Sir Clive Woodward predictions:
vs. Argentina (Saturday, September 9. Kick-off 8pm – Marseille)
Woodward wrote: "England have their hands full against Argentina but if they can sneak a win, everyone will forget their struggles in August. The Pumas game is like a World Cup final in many ways. It’s that big.
"Win and England can have a successful tournament. Lose and they could be in big trouble. I’m backing England to win narrowly."
vs. Japan (Sunday, September 17. Kick-off 8pm – Nice)
Woodward wrote; " I don’t expect a 50-point hammering of Japan like we saw at the end of 2022, but for all their recent struggles England should be winning games like this even if Farrell will still be absent. Vunipola should be back.
If England go into the match with Jamie Joseph’s side on the back of a victory over Argentina, their confidence will have improved dramatically."
vs. Chile (Saturday, September 23. Kick-off 4.45pm – Lille)
Woodward wrote: "England will win this game. The question will be by how much and if we see a coherent display. Points difference could come into things so Borthwick will want to see plenty of tries."
vs. Samoa (Saturday, October 7. Kick-off 4.45pm – Lille)
Woodward wrote: "Argentina and Samoa are England’s two most difficult pool games and the reality is they could easily lose both.
"They have the ability to win both too but will have to be at their best and show more than we’ve seen this summer to do so. I believe they can do that. England narrowly."
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