England battle through

It was just that. A battle. England and France went head to head at the Stade de France in the world cup semi final last night, and England came out on top, by 14 points to 9, in a tense, pulsating victory, which was still in the balance right up until the end. Two Jonny Wilkinson kicks in the last 10 minutes, one penalty, and then a customary drop goal, pushed England from a point down, to 5 in front.

I know I have maintained thoughts throughout this world cup that England are not favourites for it, and that I was not in favour of the selection policy used, and I will maintain those views, but I am going to give a lot of credit to Brian Ashton and his coaching staff for turning the squad around and giving them the belief and game plan to go out and win. Our squad is playing to its strengths. It might not be glamorous, it might not be pretty, but it is mighty damn effective. We have shown a determination and steeliness since the South Africa defeat, something England have been lacking since winning the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. We now seem to be understanding a way of playing together, showing the power and pace that is needed at this level. If only Ashton could have got in the hotseat sooner, instead of wasting time with Andy Robinson, we might have been further on in our development, but nevertheless, we will defend our world title in the world cup final, to South Africa or Argentina (and it's a brave man who whould bet on a winner in the semi and the final, given the recent unpredictability of this tournament).

So credit to England and the coaching staff for turning the fortunes around. But last nights game was not the best by any stretch of the imagination, and France probably had the best of the play, but didn't make the most of the possession they had. My honest opinion is that last night was a case of "after the lord mayor's show". Both teams had their cup final last weekend, and then tonight was the next game that never lives up to billing. It was a bit scrappy, there were errors, the kicking from hand was not the best, an area England still need to improve on.

And what about the future for England Rugby. Next Monday, whatever the result in the final, offer Ashton a four year contract. Give him the chance to build the side he wants, with the players he wants over four years and let us really challenge in the next world cup, not as underdogs battling through, but as a quality team, who play attractive rugby. Ashton was given a poisoned challice. It was a no-hoper, surely, but Ashton has found the antidote to the poison. He has got something about him which the players respect. Let's make sure we keep hold of him. There needs to be a changing of the guard playing wise, and this team, this country and the players it has, have a great chance to do that. We're not being ungrateful for what the older players have done by talking about them moving on already, but need to look forwards. We have the younger players to take us forward, and of course, if Jonny stays fit, he will be available in four years time. Harry Ellis will be back at scrum half. Hipkiss looks a good outside centre, and maybe an outside bet for the final. Such pace and strength to stand up in the tackle. England does have a positive, rosy future. Let's hope the powers that be recognise it, thank the players who have got us here, and move on and look forward. World rugby is constantly moving, let's make sure we stay in touch.

As for who to play next Saturday, South Africa or Argentina, either way it will be a tough one, and tonights semi is too close to call. This has proved to be an open tournament, and what an exciting one its proving to be! C'mon on England! One phrase inparticular springs to mind, "no guts, no glory". We have shown guts, now let's go for the glory!