Ford’s final audition and Sinckler returns – England v Japan talking points

England are looking to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Published Sep 16, 2023

England resume their World Cup campaign when they face Japan in their second Pool D encounter at Stade de Nice on Sunday.

Here the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the showdown on the French Riviera.

No more cards

Tom Curry clashes heads — Tom Curry was sent off for a head clash against Argentina (Mike Egerton/PA)

Sharpen the attack

England had to rely on George Ford kicks in their first game (Mike Egerton/PA)

Sinckler ready to roll

Kyle Sinckler is knocked out — Kyle Sinckler was knocked out in the 2019 World Cup final (David Davies/PA)

Ford’s final audition

Tika Taka Japan

Defence coach Sinfield has compared Japan’s tactics to the ‘Tika Taka’ football played by Barcelona and England are on guard for dynamic opponents who like to move the ball and look for space over contact. They are not the force of four years ago when they lit up their home World Cup through enterprise and courage, but they have the capacity to upset the favourites if they hit their stride.