England fit to rule the world, says Gomarsall

On Saturday, against the big-talking Australians, the 5ft 9in pocket battleship, sporting a huge gash over his right eye, helped inspire the magnificent 12-10 quarter-final victory.

Cut above: Andy Gomarsall played on despite a huge gash

This morning England announced that despite the battering taken by the side in Marseille, they have a clean bill of health before Saturday's semi-final against France for the first time in the tournament.

And Gomarsall, his right eyebrow held together by stitches inserted during Saturday's epic, laughed off the idea that England were happy just to get to the semi-final in Paris.

He said: "That's rubbish, anything can happen! Can we beat anybody now? Absolutely. Definitely. Nobody gave us a chance against Australia - it's just unreal.

"We have to get our bodies back into action and go again. There's too much mental belief and resilience in this squad to think along the lines of 'we've played our final'."

Released by Worcester in June 2005, Gomarsall spent a year in the wilderness before a call from Quins' boss Dean Richards gave the gutsy scrum-half a "pay-as-you-play" chance to resurrect his career at the Stoop.

Gomarsall is just one win away from keeping a promise he made to himself in the aftermath of England's victory in Sydney four years ago.

The scrum-half who played third fiddle to Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken Down Under, explained: "I am so privileged to be here and it is an emotional time for me because four years ago, I was sat in the stands in Sydney after we won the Cup.

"I made a promise to myself that I would be here and I am absolutely loving playing for my country. Long may it continue. Slowly I am getting there. Dreams can come true."

This morning's news that England have no injury doubts presents coach Brian Ashton with a selection problem.

He must now decide whether to change his starting line-up next Saturday night after doubts over the fitness of Mike Catt (hip), Phil Vickery (neck) and Lewis Moody (shoulder) were dispelled while Andy Farrell (calf) and Olly Barkley (dead leg) are both fit again after pulling out of the Australia game.

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

"Yes, it's been frustrating that it has taken such a long time for that kind of performance to come out.

"We are now facing a crack unit in France and we know what's coming our way.

"But two of the favourites for the World 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."

Ashton said: "We can compete at the same level as France, there's no doubt about that. We should have beaten them at Twickenham in August. I know that and so do the players."

Bound for victory: England celebrate while Australia feel the pain of a shock defeat

Hooker Mark Regan, another thirty something forced to watch the Sydney final from the stands four years ago, said: "We're battle hardened. We've been smashed up for three weeks now but we've dug deep. We look after each other as a band of brothers."

Lawrence Dallaglio, written off by the Australians as another of the Dad's Army contingent, said: "The important thing is that we have stuck together as a group.

"Everyone has been bagging us, but there are similarities with 2003 because every game was a real test for us in different ways then. We came up with the right answers then and we have the same battle-hardened mentality now. It was time we rewarded the fans."

If England do retain the Webb Ellis trophy, the RFU will have to fork out a £2m win bonus having opted not to take out insurance on a successful defence.

Including match fees, the players stand to earn £116,000 each, double what they picked up four years ago, but 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."

In the second semi-final next Sunday in Paris, South Africa play Argentina, who pipped Scotland 19-13 last night.