George Ford: England’s players need to step up with World Cup on horizon

Steve Borthwick’s side face Ireland this weekend.

George Ford is one of three fly-halves in England’s World Cup squad (Adam Davy/PA)

George Ford insists England’s players must take responsibility for accelerating the team’s development into a force for the World Cup.

Steve Borthwick’s men ended a three-match losing run by defeating Wales 19-17 at Twickenham last Saturday but Ireland, the sport’s number one ranked side, are the next assignment on the schedule of warm-up fixtures.