Matt Dawson column: England will not win World Cup if focus is on Jones

If England head coach Eddie Jones thinks he has been scrutinised before, the next 18 months leading into the World Cup are going to take it to another level.

For the second year in a row, England won just two matches in the Six Nations but I am reluctant to pile in on the head coach because it is about much more than just him.

If the next year becomes all about Eddie Jones-bashing, there is not a chance England are going to win the World Cup.

I am not sure it was appropriate to give him a contract for another four-year cycle straight after the 2019 World Cup, but that is done.

England's Rugby Football Union pinned him down four years out and once that has happened, a coach has got to be monumentally bad to not see that through.

As much as I don't think England are maximising the current player base, I am not sure the recent dip in form warrants Eddie Jones not being at the World Cup.

I know people are speaking about how Rassie Erasmus became South Africa head coach 18 months before they became world champions in Japan, but that was unique. I would be amazed if anything changed within the England coaching staff before the 2023 tournament.

It is going to be a tough year for Eddie. If he bites his tongue and does not give his usual one-liners, then he will make his life easier.

We don't need to hear whether England are favourites or underdogs, what he thinks about the opposition.

I sort of understand where he is coming from because he feels that that is his way of taking attention away from the players but I am not sure that is the case.

We just need less from Eddie Jones.

I do not think all hope is lost for the World Cup. I have seen enough in this England side to think that they have a chance, but it is not all down to the coaches.

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