Plenty of big factors in England’s favour, but will it be enough?

It is far from unrealistic to see 2003 champions England winning the World Cup at home – especially if they come out on top of tough pool that includes Australia and Wales

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Rob Andrew is frank about England's chances of winning this years Rugby World Cup. Photo: AP

Published: 1:00am, 13 Sep 2015Updated: 6:42pm, 13 Sep 2015

As hosts of the 2015 World Cup and a country blessed with one of the world's largest playing bases, not to mention its wealthiest union, England ought to be bullish about their chances of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy.

So it was more than curious when the Rugby Football Union's very own rugby director, Rob Andrew, suggested in a recent interview that England might be an even better side in the future.

"Is this team going to peak at this World Cup? I don't know. I doubt it, to be honest," Andrew told the Daily Telegraph.

Ireland wing Tommy Bowe tackles England fullback Mike Brown in their World Cup warm-up match, which saw the hosts beat the Irish 21-13 at Twickenham. Photo: AFP

"I suspect this team will get better over the next two or three years. I don't think there's any question of that because the age profile and the experience profile is going to grow."

However, the former England fly half added: "That doesn't mean, today, it's not going to be good enough, or have the experience to win this World Cup."

Is this team going to peak at this World Cup? I don’t know. I doubt it, to be honest

Rob Andrew