‘We know who we are’ – Itoje backs England to rise to World Cup event
An energised Itoje declared, “we know who we are” when challenged on how England could be so assured, regardless of shedding three of their 4 warm-up matches final month.
England take on the Pumas in Marseille on Saturday evening determined to open their Pool D marketing campaign with a win and an announcement efficiency. And Saracens lock Itoje delivered a stirring defence of why England consider so strongly in themselves regardless of such poor type.
“We know who we are, we know the type of players we have, we know the quality of coaches we have,” he stated. “Yes, we haven’t played as well as we can, but we know the potential of this group — and when you know the potential of this group, the attitude of the players and coaches, it can only fill you with confidence. Argentina have good players, but our mindset is to impose our game, our will, our strengths.”
Confident temper: Maro Itoje believes England can rise to the problem towards Argentina
/ PAEngland have misplaced six of their 9 Tests underneath Steve Borthwick, together with a 53-10 document residence defeat by France and the 30-22 loss to Fiji, their first ever to the Pacific Islanders.
Borthwick’s alternatives and gameplan have appeared risk-averse, and England have been slipshod in each assault and defence. Itoje performed alongside Borthwick at Saracens, earlier than being coached by the previous England captain as forwards specialist en path to the 2019 World Cup closing.
Itoje hailed Borthwick as certainly one of his best-ever coaches, insisting England’s gamers are prepared to supply a top-level exhibiting this weekend to ease the stress on their boss.
“Steve is a great coach, one of the best I’ve worked with,” stated Itoje. “Individually, I think I’ve played some of my best rugby under his stewardship.
“We want to have a great performance for him, for the team, for ourselves, for the country. We’re very proud to play for England, we don’t take that responsibility lightly.
“We want to give the best account of ourselves, and it’s for everyone involved in this camp – players, staff and most importantly the fans.”
England’s gamers are unimpressed with what they see as their World Cup possibilities being dismissed earlier than any motion has taken place.
Itoje admitted that has supplied ample motivation forward of Saturday’s essential conflict on the Stade Velodrome.
“Look, we know that we haven’t played our best rugby, and I guess that may add an element of fuel,” stated the 28-year-old.
“But the real motivation is where this team can go. The real motivation is how we can properly display the best of ourselves, give the very best account of ourselves.
“It’s an incredible opportunity; the strong feeling and belief within the group now, things can change very quickly.”