A fourth successive RBS 6 Nations runners-up spot is unacceptable for England, the Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie said today - before backing Stuart Lancaster's team to win the World Cup.
England finished second to Ireland by a difference of six points at the weekend, falling short despite a 55-35 defeat of France. It was their second year in a row finishing behind the Irish, after twice before that coming second to Wales.
"Four years as runners-up is not acceptable and we are not happy with how that came about," Ritchie said. "If you go back through history, bearing in mind a lot of things, we should be, as a country, winning more in terms of Grand Slams, Six Nations championships, other things."
Lancaster is under contract until 2020 and there is no suggestion his position as head coach is under pressure, but Ritchie insisted England had the chance to win the tournament.
"We had opportunities," Ritchie added. "Let's be clear - entirely in our control. It was stuff that was in our own hands. The Irish deserved the win because of what they did over the five matches.
"We should be going into every game, doing our utmost to win and to win well. We've got the resources, the talent, the ability. Saturday was a fantastic example of that. We've got to make sure we come out for the World Cup and deliver.
"Are we capable of winning? I think, hope, believe fervently that we're capable of winning," Ritchie added.
"The thing that strikes me about elite world sport, margins are so small. I'm absolutely sure when we get to the World Cup it's going to be small margins that will make the difference between winning and losing. It usually boils down to who delivers on the day.
"Are we in the frame enough to win it? Yes, I think we've got enough talent, I think we've got enough talent now, I think we'll have more talent coming back in when we get to September and I've got to think and believe - and I know the team and Stuart believe that - that we can win this.
"We should be able to win it. Will we do it? Then that depends on our application and execution doing the games. It's frankly as simple as that."
The fine margins which Ritchie discussed mean it is entirely possible England could exit the tournament at the group phase, with defeats to Australia and Wales.
Ritchie believes the effect of playing at Twickenham could have a major impact. He said: "I don't think any of us take for granted, at all, Wales, Australia, Fiji, in terms of the opening game of the tournament.
"We all know we're in a really tough group. We all know it's going to be difficult. But there is an advantage playing most of the games at Twickenham. There is an advantage getting the crowd support.
"I think that generally fans believe that this is a team they want to support and a coaching team they want to support. There's no evidence of lack of support. The support we're getting around the country is phenomenal and I think it will grow and grow leading into the World Cup.
"We've got to make sure being at home gives us that advantage."
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