Jason Robinson looking for England to summon spirit of 2007 and shock the world

England legend Jason Robinson believes that all is not lost for the current set-up despite Steve Borthwick’s men heading into the Rugby World Cup in dire straits.

The Red Rose have only beaten Wales and Italy this year, with their latest defeat coming against Fiji at Twickenham last Saturday.

That embarrassing 30-22 loss – their first-ever against a tier two side – represented a new low for English rugby, leading to many writing off their World Cup chances.

Although Robinson says that Borthwick’s outfit “have got a lot of work to do,” the England great says that they can turn it around.

What happened 16 years ago

The former back three player was part of the 2007 squad that went into the global tournament with little expectation but managed to reach the final.

Following the 36-0 pool loss to South Africa, Brian Ashton’s team were heavily criticised with some believing that they could be eliminated at the group stages.

However, the Red Rose managed to defeat Samoa and Tonga to reach the quarter-finals before they shocked Australia and hosts France to set up a repeat of the Springboks game in the showpiece event.

“But for me I have to look back to 2007 when we played in the World Cup and we were awful. We went into the World Cup with no form whatsoever,” Robinson told Sky Sports.

“We stumbled through the pool stages, took a good hard look at ourselves and we were backed into a corner, everybody was on our backs.

“We found a way to win in the quarters, then into the semi and then to only lose to South Africa in the final. So I’m hoping that Steve Borthwick and the boys can fight, dig deep and find something.”

Robinson’s World Cup favourites

England are certainly not in Robinson’s main list of World Cup favourites but believes that the tournament in France is “open.”

Ireland are the current world number one side but South Africa, France and New Zealand have also produced a number of good performances this year.

“I really believe this is going to be one of the most open World Cups there’s ever been and I can’t wait for it to start,” the 49-year-old added.

“Having watched South Africa recently, they’ve been so, so good, a very powerful team. I think they are the ones to watch.

“Home team France are going to be up there as well but Ireland have just been in such a good form lately. I hope it goes to a northern hemisphere team and I hope England can come out and surprise everybody.”

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