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England’s Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures, team and route to the final

telegraph sport
·3-min read
Marcus Smith impresses as a substitute full-back against Japan
Marcus Smith impresses as a substitute full-back against Japan and is set to reprise that role against Chile - AP/Daniel Cole

England maintained their perfect start to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with an ugly but ultimately decisive victory over Japan in Nice.

Steve Borthwick’s side were unimpressive in the first half but rallied well in the second to eventually score four tries to secure a valuable bonus point.

With just Chile and Samoa left to play in Pool D, the win over Japan means England already have one foot in the quarter-finals.

Who are in England’s group?

Pool D
England
Japan
Argentina
Samoa
Chile

What is England’s next game?

England’s next fixture is against Chile in Lille on Saturday, September 23.

What is the latest England team news?

Marcus Smith is set to start at full-back against Chile as Owen Farrell returns as captain and fly-half after his four-match ban for a high tackle on Wales’s Taine Basham in a warm-up match. George Ford, who has played at No 10 during Farrell’s absence, is set to drop to the bench but the coaching staff hope to reprise the Ford-Farrell 10-12 axis in the second half against Chile, possibly with Smith remaining at full-back.

Flanker Jack Willis and wing Henry Arundell are also set to be handed their first starts of the tournament against Chile.

Tom Curry remains unavailable for England’s next group game against Chile, after receiving a two-match ban for his dangerous tackle against Argentina.

England’s full Pool D fixtures and schedule

All matches on ITV1.

POOL D MATCHES

What is England’s route to the final?

Based on current world rankings, England and Argentina should progress from Pool D. But discount a much-improved Samoa at your peril.

If England advance as one of Pool D’s top two teams, they will likely face either Wales, Australia or Fiji from Pool C in the quarter-finals. So far so beatable.

Indeed, it is only if they reach the semi-finals that England would have to play a team in the top five of the current world rankings. And in a one-off knockout match, it’s anyone’s game. Next stop, the final!

For the full World Cup schedule, click here.

How do I watch the Rugby World Cup on TV?

ITV have the exclusive broadcast rights in the UK, with the vast majority on ITV1. You can read our guide to the 12 best pundits and commentators working at the tournament.

The radio commentary of every match will be available only on the BBC, across Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds service. The BBC says there will be a “bespoke output” in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In the US, the tournament is being shown on NBC Sports. In South Africa the TV coverage is on SuperSport.