sport news SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: England will have to play out of their skins to have any ... trends now

I never thought I would write this about an England team, but they have just got to try to compete and put some much-needed respect back into the shirt in Dublin on Saturday.

I simply cannot see them winning the game. If England lose to Ireland by about 10 points, that would be respectable. It pains me to make such a statement but I do so only to paint a true reflection of where both teams are at.

It is a sobering reality of the decline of English rugby and that debate is for another day, but no one — yes, no one — is expecting a victory at the Aviva Stadium.

Steve Borthwick’s side will have to play out of their skins to have any chance. A week on from the 53-10 hammering by France, I am still shocked by the result. A repeat demolition is entirely possible because Ireland are equally good, if not better, than France.

When I look at Ireland, I see a formidable squad. Not one English player gets in their side right now. Again, that’s a reflection of how far England are behind.

Ireland are a seriously impressive unit from one to 23 but it is in their forwards where they have a particular strength and that spells real trouble for England.

As I wrote earlier in the tournament, the No 10 debate has been a big distraction for England. The discussion over who should be at fly-half between Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith and George Ford has masked other problems — most significantly in the pack.

Against France, England’s forwards were obliterated. I’m surprised there has only been one change to the pack for Ireland and even that has been injury enforced with lock Ollie Chessum out after a serious ankle problem. England’s forwards must respond in Dublin and I fully expect them to after the hammering they’ve received from all quarters since last week’s demolition.

They were humiliated by France, blown away at the contact area and smashed to bits physically. Things won’t get any easier in Dublin because I think the Irish pack is the best in the world. I could discuss each player in detail but they are all world class! They are a really scary outfit. England have got to turn up physically against the Ireland forwards to have any chance.

I actually like the look of the England back-line. I’m pleased to see Henry Arundell start. He will be a fantastic player for England and is a phenomenal talent. But make no mistake, Ireland will look to target him and he will be in for a tough game. We have all seen the wonderful attacking ability Arundell has. There is no doubt he is of Test class.

We have seen him score wonder tries for London Irish and England already so we know he is good going forward. Against Ireland, we will find out if Arundell can defend.