Ellis: England should plan for 2011

ENGLAND are missing a trick in not following France’s lead and looking long-term towards the 2011 World Cup, according to Les Bleus defence coach David Ellis.

The two countries, who meet in an RBS 6 Nations Championship clash in Paris on Saturday, have approached the tournament with different mindsets.

While new France head coach Marc Lievremont is blooding plenty of raw talent in a bid to give them Test experience, England coach Brian Ashton has for the most part been happy to stick with his tried and tested. Ellis, a Yorkshireman who has been part of France’s backroom staff since 2001, reckons England are making a mistake in preoccupying themselves with the here and now. “I am just disappointed that England are going to miss another opportunity to make changes,” said the 50-year-old.