Robinson pitches for top England job

BAGSHOT - Andy Robinson made his pitch to become England's next fulltime head coach by insisting the champions could do what no side has done before and successfully defend the World Cup in France in 2007.

Robinson is acting England head coach following the resignation of Clive Woodward last week.

But the former flanker, previously Woodward's deputy, insisted he had no qualms about stepping up to the top job fulltime, after his appointment for the November tests at Twickenham against Canada, South Africa and Australia.

"We can win the World Cup and that's the challenge because no one has won back-to-back cups. I expect to be involved in the World Cup defence and I want to lead it.

"It's an honour to do the job and I will be doing it my way."

Robinson is due to have an interview with a selection panel headed by former England centre John Spencer next week.

But with former England internationals Rob Andrew, now Newcastle director of rugby, and his Gloucester counterpart Nigel Melville all but ruling themselves out of the England job, Robinson looks increasingly likely to land the prize.

Several England players have retired from test rugby since the World Cup, with captain Lawrence Dallaglio calling it a day last week.

But Robinson said he was looking forward to working with younger players.

England suffered heavy defeats against New Zealand (twice) and Australia and Robinson acknowledged the team lost their self-belief.

"It's about getting back to a winning mentality. My driving ambition is to win and that's always been my passion in any sport where England compete."

As Woodward quit he criticised the structure of English rugby, saying he did not have enough time with the players, and angering the 12 English Premiership clubs.

They had recently signed up to an agreement that guaranteed the England management 50 days with the players in the lead-up to the 2007 World Cup, in France, compared with the 35 days they had over the same four-year cycle preceding last year's contest.

Dallaglio's retirement leaves England looking for a new skipper before their Test match against Canada on November 6.

Five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson, whose late drop-goal won the World Cup for England last November, is the favourite.

Robinson, however, said Wilkinson was just one of several possibles. Others included Will Greenwood, Richard Hill and Phil Vickery.

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