We're marked men now, says defiant Lydon

World Cup success has given England's rivals extra incentive

The shadow of Henry Paul looms over England as they begin their title defence, and a bid for a Cup hat-trick, at the Hong Kong Sevens today. They will be hard-pressed, for despite the brave words coming from their camp, the absence of Paul - the Best and Fairest Player last year - and a number of other key members will take a heavy toll.

'Henry will be missed,' admitted England coach Joe Lydon yesterday. 'But then I can also point out a few players who will be missed by [New Zealand coach] Gordon Tietjens. I'm confident that we can make do with the squad we have. In sevens, you have to play as a squad.'

Earlier this week, Tietjens told the Post that England will badly miss Paul. The Kiwi coach said: 'We found it very difficult to contain him. He really deserved to win the best player title last year.'

Powerful centre Paul has become the sad victim of an ugly struggle between his club, Gloucester, and the English Rugby Football Union which has ended in both sides losing. Gloucester refused to release Paul for England sevens duty and the RFU has hit back by saying the player cannot figure in a crucial playoff match against Sale today. The RFU yesterday banned Paul from club action until April 7. Seated before an image of Paul at yesterday's tournament-eve press conference - Paul is the pin-up player on the local rugby union's 2004 sevens poster - Lydon refused to comment in detail on the ugly row which has threatened to derail England's bid for an unprecedented hat-trick by a northern hemisphere team. But he hoped all parties would be wiser as a result.

'Lessons must be learned from what has happened. With the Sevens World Cup coming up in Hong Kong next year, all countries need to have their squads in place well in advance,' said Lydon.

Having led England to victory at the past two tournaments, Lydon maintained a positive front. 'The players know what it takes to win in Hong Kong and they know what it means to win here,' said Lydon. 'The team which wins on Sunday will have deserved it.'