Ford: Shades of '19 in this team

MIKE Ford is growing more and more convinced England are on the right road to a dream Final stop off in Paris. 

-  GARY FITZGERALD

The former coach says that with Steve Borthwick planning the route, and son George helping to steer the team along it, the World Cup journey can be smooth and successful.

Victory over Argentina shone a much needed ray of sunshine down on the England camp and lifted much of the post-tournament doom and gloom following a dismal build-up.

Another win over Japan helped the bandwagon pick up more speed towards finishing top of the Pool D and the prospect of a less arduous last eight contest.

And Ford, who enjoyed the added bonus of watching young George act as catalyst to that renewed hope and optimism with his outstanding opening match display in Marseille, says the expectation bar is now set far higher.