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.