England should reach semis on home grass

England may have lost out on the title in agonising fashion as they just failed to overhaul Ireland's points difference despite a 55-35 win over France but  they are well set going into the Rugby World Cup.

They have lost very few games at Twickenham to teams ranked below them so they should feel confident they can take on and beat anyone at the Rugby World Cup. The only team they haven't beaten at Twickenham under Stuart Lancaster is South Africa, and if England keep their unbeaten home record going for another seven games they will win the Rugby World Cup.

There are several differences between England and Six Nations champions Ireland, notably in their levels of experience and also Ireland's total belief in their style of play.Ireland essentially played the same style all through the tournament, even against Scotland, while England, who don't have that totally unshakeable belief took risks right from the off against France.

England were not confident they would score the tries they needed if they played the way they had been kicking, playing territory, going hard in the scrums and instead they were forced to play a running game from the opening minute.