England's warriors fit to rule the world

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Their epic 12-10 victory over Australia in the last eight has set up a mouthwatering clash with the hosts at the Stade de France.

Head coach Brian Ashton now faces a selection dilemma after doubts over the fitness of Mike Catt (hip), Phil Vickery (neck) and Lewis Moody (shoulder) were dispelled.

Impressive second-half substitute Toby Flood will also come into the reckoning for a place at centre, along with the now recovered Andy Farrell (calf) and Olly Barkley (dead leg).

Assistant coach John Wells said: "If we were grumpy and horrible and won then I want us to be just as grumpy and horrible against France.

"Yes, it's been frustrating that it has taken such a long time for that kind of performance to come out and we have a lot of tired and battered players who will be given time to recover before we step things up on Wednesday.

"We are now facing, in France, a crack unit who won away from home and we know what's coming our way. We have to believe our guys can reproduce the standard of performance from Saturday.

"I can understand the criticism, because we hadn't performed and what we produced against Australia was more akin to what we all expect.

"Two of the favourites for the Cup - Australia and New Zealand - are trying to find flights home today while we are off on the train to Paris. We are still in the competition and can still win it. There was a great euphoric feeling on Saturday and another good one like that and we are not going to be far away."

The weekend's unexpected results have got Rugby Football Union bosses running for their calculators.

English rugby chiefs have admitted they face a £2million win-bonus bill after opting not to take out insurance against captain Phil Vickery's squad claiming a second successive Rugby World Cup title in France.

The players will earn £1.5m in match fees for winning the Cup, plus that £2m bonus, giving each man £116,000 - nearly double the sum banked by the 2003 heroes.

Francis Baron, the RFU chief executive, said: "I can tell you that will be one cheque I am going to be very happy to sign."