Time for England to deliver, insists Vickery

PHIL VICKERY has called on his England players to take ownership and responsibility for their performances when they tackle RBS Six Nations title favourites France tomorrow.

The World Cup finalists blew a 13-point lead to Wales, suffering their first Twickenham defeat in the fixture for 20 years.

Then eight days later, they almost sacrificed a 14-point advantage at Stadio Flaminio before hanging on for an unimpressive 23-19 success.

Wasps prop Vickery, back to full fitness after a stomach bug sidelined him in Rome, said: “I am under no illusions about what lies ahead for us, but I am really positive about it.

“We have to improve, go out and perhaps show a level to our game we haven’t seen yet. If we don’t, then it is going to be a very difficult proposition. It’s France against England in the Six Nations in Paris. For me, it is the biggest game in the championship.

“It is going to take an heroic effort to beat these guys, but we must stop talking about what’s happening and ultimately go out and put it on the paddock.’’

Meanwhile France captain Lionel Nallet has labelled England a “complete team” ahead of the Paris showdown.

Despite England’s uninspiring form thus far Nallet remains full of respect for Les Bleus’ arch-rivals.

“They are a side who have mastered their game perfectly for a number of years now,” said the Castres lock.

“They have a very complete team. They are always difficult to play against.”

Meanwhile Speed machine Mark Jones is ready to exploit Italy’s new-look back three and fast-track Wales to a third straight RBS Six Nations victory.

Jones has returned to the Wales side for tomorrow’s showdown in Cardiff, after being dropped for the 30-15 win over Scotland.

While most of the pre-match headlines have been dominated by Wales’ clash with one of the most powerful packs in world rugby, Jones is ready to strike the telling blows out wide.

“I would like to think that I can bring something extra to the team, with my attacking ability,” said Jones.

“I look at our back three – and without meaning to be arrogant, I think we probably have more than they do. Names on the sheet don’t mean anything until you get on the park – but I like to think that if I, Shane (Williams) and Lee (Byrne) can get the ball in hand in a little bit of space, in good positions, we can cause them some problems.”