Dallaglio: England prospects are bright

Lawrence Dallaglio has delivered an upbeat verdict on England's World Cup prospects as they enter the final two months of their tournament build-up.

England have won just 15 of their 37 Test matches since being crowned 2003 world champions in Australia, but former captain Dallaglio - who is battling to be part of his third World Cup campaign - believes they can make an impact.

"Everyone is coming to the boil at the right time. Some might argue it is a little bit late, but it is what it is, and on paper we have got an incredibly strong side and a very experienced one as well," said Dallaglio.

"There are a lot of World Cup winners, there a lot of young guys who are very keen to improve and impress, and we've got guys there with a proven track record.

"Two of the fundamental elements of winning a World Cup are to have a pack that can impose itself on the opposition and to have a very strong defence.

"Obviously, there are lots of other areas as well, but I look around the pack, and whoever is picked, I feel are going to be very competitive."