Will England have what it takes? A look ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2023

After a pulsating World Cup 2019 that saw unfancied South Africa crowned World Champions, some rugby fans are claiming that it was the best one ever.

It was certainly a great tournament for England. After their disastrous showing in 2015, they were keen to shine on the big stage – and shine they did.

A barnstorming march to the semi-finals saw them at the peak of their powers against old foes Australia, who simply couldn’t cope with England’s immense attacking prowess, succumbing 40-16.

The final was a step too far for them, however, as South Africa stole their thunder with a dominant display. Coach Eddie Jones refused to be downbeat, saying that all great sides need eight years to reach their potential.

After using up half of that already, can Jones turn them into World Champions in 2023?  In this article, we’re going to take a deeper look.

The Host Nation

Rugby will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its invention in the glorious surrounds of France.

A lot can be said for the setting of a tournament. With its cool climate and close proximity, France can make a strong claim to be the ideal host nation for the England team in 2023.

While travelling fans will be taking in the cultural delights of Paris or trying out their luck in the casinos of Monaco, the players will be making the most of the temperate climate that they’re used to. In such conditions, they’ll be able to train hard and find it easier to reach their optimal state for the big games.

Travel weariness won’t be as much of an issue, either. With France being on England’s doorstep, not to mention the same time zone, it’ll be simple for the squad to adjust to the daily routine in the build-up to the tournament.

They might also be more familiar with local customs. In Tokyo, their preparations were affected after underestimating the traffic between their hotel and the stadium. Arriving barely an hour before your biggest game in 16 years doesn’t help your mental state – such complications would be less likely in a European location. 

Staying Together 

Every great sports team needs continuity. It’s what inspired Eddie Jones’ ‘eight years’ comment and the good news for England is they have time on their side.

They fielded the youngest World Cup team in the professional era in the final, with an average age of just over 27 years. For such a young team to play in the biggest game in the sport is remarkable and also crucial experience for the future.

What’s more, there is ample room for growth. The bulk of the squad, the likes of Mario Itoje, Owen Farrell and the Vunipola brothers, could all have over 80 caps by then, a huge asset for any side. They’ll have big-game experience following the final and several Six Nations tournaments together, not to mention a Lions tour for many of them in 2021.

On the flipside, it’s possible that this year’s disappointing final experience could be a burden on the team’s collective shoulders. Painful memories are difficult to erase in sport and it will take a lot of mental strength to succeed in the next big World Cup game the team face together.

The Kids are Alright

An obvious thing to look at when talking of future tournaments are the stars of tomorrow. Luckily for England, they have two stars rapidly rising through their ranks in the form of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

The duo have earned the nickname ‘Kamikaze Kids’ from Eddie Jones after their hard-hitting tandem displays – their 36 tackles in the quarter final against Australia is a shining example of that. They thrived up against the Aussies’ own world-class duo of Hooper and Pocock, looking younger and quicker.

Curry, in particular, is one to watch. The Sale Sharks flanker put in a man-of-the-match performance against Australia; an incredible showing for a 21 year old. With the right guidance, which he is sure to get from England’s coaching team, he will be a key player in 2023, reaching his peak at the age of 25.

Underhill, while not as spectacular as his team-mate, looks set to form part of England’s spine for years to come. Throw in Tom Curry’s twin, Ben, himself a rising star in the same club team, and strong foundations are clearly in place.

The Boss

Eddie Jones was still  in jovial mood following England’s final defeat. “You’re so lucky because you’ve got me for another two years, guys. How good is that?” he joked to the media, referring to his contract that keeps him in charge until 2021.

In principle, of course, this is great for England. Jones is responsible for some of the best performances since 2003, not to mention back-to-back Six Nations successes. RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney agrees, saying ‘it makes sense’ to keep someone who is, in his view, one of the best coaches in the world.

Question marks still linger over whether he will still be there come 2023, however. There is a growing demand for the Australian to return to his native country and rescue the declining Wallabies and, at the age of 59, Jones might not get another opportunity to do so. He would also require a hefty wage increase.

When all is said and done, though, it’s imperative that England convince Jones to stay on. The team needs an unbroken four-year stretch under the same coach to build on this year’s tournament; two years to get used to a replacement just wouldn’t be enough.  Do that and England will be one of the favourites.

Can they do it?

Despite his obvious skills, Jones doesn’t have a magic wand and England will have to work extremely hard to even get to the final again, let alone win it.

However with youth on their side they can afford to be optimistic. By putting this year’s final defeat out of their minds, they are certainly capable of etching their name into the trophy in 2023.