England's 2003 World Cup winning try-scorer Jason Robinson believes Martin Johnson's side is capable of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final provided they improve upon Pool B performances so far against Argentina and Georgia.
His comments come fresh off the back of 2003 losing finalist (of Australia), George Gregan's views that England can best change gear in the second half of the tournament.
Speaking to Gulf News after being appointed as an HSBC Middle East Rugby Ambassador, Robinson said: "It's interesting, the England teams going into the last World Cups were in very different places."
"In 2003 we were World Number One and knew what we had to do to win the big games. We were ready to take that title. Whereas in 2007 we weren't as settled and took a beating by South Africa in the group stages, but we pulled together as a group and narrowly missed out in the final."
Robinson, a former winger and fullback who scored 140 points from 51 caps for England between 2001 and 2007 said: "This current team has been great at times but inconsistent. At this stage it's all about winning your group, and finding form. England are capable of winning the big games and it is just about putting these together. England have been to the last two World Cup finals and so have the knowledge that they need, but they have to improve if they are to reach another."
"In a World Cup, form is good, but it isn't everything, it's all about confidence and creating momentum to get you through to the final," said Robinson.
His thoughts mimic that of fellow HSBC Middle East Rugby Ambassador, George Gregan, who previously won in 1999: "The tournament changes from the minute the Pool games finish - the quarter final is just a different pressure and style. There is a different quality required. Some teams perform pretty well in the pool stage but struggle at the back end. Historically England and South Africa play well in this environment."
"Australia and New Zealand have struggled at this stage in the past but the All Blacks will be dangerous and tough to beat this time around. If I was to make a call I think New Zealand will be hard to beat for a number of reasons; their experience led by Richie McCaw, their average age of the group 27-28 and the energy from their own support. But that won't be something that causes extra pressure, I think they'll use it to energize their performances. Logic tells me its New Zealand once it gets to the back end of the tournament," said Gregan.
Robinson said of the Kiwis: "Over the past couple of years they have been in great form and have looked unbeatable for large periods and so it will be interesting to see how they bounce back from losing the Tri-Nations to Australia."
