England are World Cup favourites - Laporte

England’s Grand Slam triumph simply confirmed they are favourites to win the World Cup in Australia later this year, according to France coach Bernard Laporte.

Laporte was extravagant in his praise of England’s crushing 42-6 win over Ireland in Dublin on Sunday to claim the RBS 6 Nations crown as Europe’s top team.

“Their Grand Slam is definitely deserved, there is nothing (else) to say,” he told L’Equipe.

“They have always been favourites, even before their Grand Slam, and even if they had not won in Ireland they would have remained great favourites.

“England have the best defence in the world and when they get their hands on the ball they display a game of superb quality.”

Laporte made no attempt to conceal his admiration of Clive Woodward’s team’s all-conquering Six Nations campaign, which included an opening 25-17 win over Les Bleus at Twickenham to dash French hopes of back-to-back titles.

“The English have always been faithful to themselves,” he said.

“They rely on a great defence and are tremendously efficient in every area of the game.

“And of course they have an exceptional number 10 in (Jonny) Wilkinson, who for me is the best fly-half in the world alongside Australia’s (Stephen) Larkham.

“Without doing too much, Wilkinson kept England ahead. That is simply great class.”