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England's Martin Johnson backs England
By K 12/8/07 August 12 2007
England's Martin Johnson backs England to raise their game in France. Johnson and Olly Barkley go to www.rfu.com/podcast. You are welcome to use any content from the podcast with a credit for the Gillette Rugby Podcast available from www.rfu.com/podcast.

Johnno backs England to raise their game

 martin johnson

As England prepares to take on France, Bath Rugby's Olly Barkley knows this is a make or break game, but the fly half, like many of the team, is relishing the opportunity.  

 

And with Ashton's World Cup squad announcement just days away, England legend and World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson reveals the emotions behind the 2003 victory.

 

"People think lifting the trophy is what it's all about, but it just symbolises it.  For me it was about all of it, about getting there and getting through all the difficult times.  About coping with the pressure and finally being able to achieve. 

 

"People love to doubt you.  But we had the belief in ourselves, that we could go out there and win it."

 

Player turned pundit, Johnno will be working with World Cup broadcasters ITV during this year's tournament and added that he believed anything was possible for Ashton's men.  "If England can win their pool, then they're in a quarter final.  If they get there can they win it? Yes they can.  If they do that, they're in a semi final. 

 

"The next step for England is just performing well.  If they take care of their performance level, winning takes care of itself.  For the game against France they have to raise it a level, and keep on increasing it all the way through the tournament."

 

One of those responsible for steering England's course this weekend is fly half Olly Barkley.  Barkley, who will line up against David Skrela at Twickenham, will be hoping to finally put injury and inconsistency behind him as he awaits the announcement that will make or break the England players' hearts..

 

To hear the full interviews with Martin Johnson and Olly Barkley go to www.rfu.com/podcast and click on the Gillette Rugby Podcast logo. 

 

You are welcome to use any content from the podcast with a credit for the Gillette Rugby Podcast available from www.rfu.com/podcast. 

 

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