Vickery calls for ‘sacrifice of body and soul’ from England

ENGLAND captain Phil Vickery has called for “a sacrifice of body and soul” from his players when they target a second successive World Cup final appearance tonight.

The reigning world champions — tournament no-hopers a month ago after South Africa humiliated them in record-breaking 36-0 fashion — now head back to Stade de France as one of only four countries still chasing rugby’s golden prize.

Successive victories over Samoa, Tonga and latterly arch-enemies Australia has revived hope that England could achieve mission improbable and retain the Webb Ellis Trophy.

It would represent a unique feat, and a considerable one at that as resurgent host nation France – conquerors of tournament favourites New Zealand last weekend – now block their path to glory.

Vickery said: “The circumstances have changed. Suddenly there is anticipation from outside the camp of what is going to happen.

“It is a huge game, but as a group of players we have kept things simple.

“As I said after the (Australia) game, to lose this weekend means nothing. It is totally different — we are playing the host nation in the semi-finals of the World Cup.’’

Vickery added: “We know we will have to perform better, so there is a lot of pressure on us as players. It is going to be a huge challenge.

“France are favourites, but I have got confidence in my team. It won’t be easy, but if we didn’t think we could win the game, we wouldn’t be here.

“People are going to have to find performances within themselves they never thought they had.

“I don’t want to go home, getting a pat on the back saying we nearly did it, I want to go home as part of a team that has achieved something, and it all comes down to 80 minutes.

“If you haven’t got that will to sacrifice your body and soul for the cause, then things won’t happen.

“I am just very proud of the guys, because there are some absolute heroes in this team.”

England field five survivors from their 2003 World Cup final team — Wilkinson, Vickery, Jason Robinson, Josh Lewsey and Ben Kay — with that victory over Australia coming just a week after they sunk semi-final opponents France 24-7.

Head coach Brian Ashton added: “Having players who have been there will help to set the right tone when the day comes.

“It will be a momentous occasion, but it won’t be a massive surprise to half the team.

“The support has been phenomenal, and it makes a massive difference. I hope as many as possible of them get tickets.

“We’ve been told 40,000 people are crossing the Channel this weekend. It is unbelievable.’’