Borthwick insists England have been written off too early forward of World Cup
The Red Rose boss insisted his aspect will show their class in France, with their first conflict a serious check of their credentials in opposition to the highly effective Argentina.
England have slipped to their equal lowest world rating of eighth within the wake of six defeats in 9 matches beneath head coach Borthwick.
Argentina have leapfrogged England into sixth place, and even beat England 30-29 within the ultimate throes of Eddie Jones’ tenure in November.
Michael Cheika’s males have been put in as favourites for Saturday’s Pool D opener in lots of quarters, however England boss Borthwick has been left annoyed by that state of affairs.
“It’s a fantastic tournament and everyone involved in the England team can’t wait to start it,” stated Borthwick, gearing up for Saturday’s essential battle at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.
“I sense there is a feeling among the players they’ve been written off too early. People have called time on them a bit too early.
“I think there is a lot of class in this squad. The players have a hell of a lot more to go.
“They can’t wait to get stuck in on Saturday night.”
Alex Mitchell has jumped ahead of Danny Care and Ben Youngs to start at scrum-half in opposition to Argentina, and that after lacking out on the preliminary 33-man squad choice.
Fit-again Tom Curry will play his first match since May, having crushed an ankle drawback, with England backing the powerhouse flanker to be at full tilt straight from the off.
Dan Cole begins at tighthead prop, with Kyle Sinckler not fairly able to contest choice after a chest subject.
Courtney Lawes captains England from blinside flanker, with Owen Farrell lacking the primary two World Cup matches on account of suspension.
Lawes replaces Owen Farrell in captaining England
/ Getty ImagesThe Northampton powerhouse will add ballast across the sort out space, and further functionality on the lineout.
Lawes is heading into his fourth World Cup and admitted England are decided to show their doubters incorrect.
“It’s obviously a bit of fuel for the fire and gives us motivation,” stated Lawes, of individuals writing off England.
“Obviously we want to perform for each other.
“We’ve had a really good training week, things feel like they are starting to fall into place, so we’ve got genuine excitement going into the weekend.
“We know we’re facing a good team, but we know we’ve got as good a chance as any team coming away with a win.
“I think we’ve got to tap into the heat that’s been on us. It’s the first game of the World Cup and we’ve got to be up for it.”