Wilkinson seeks 'cup-final mentality'

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England will arrive at Parc des Princes, knowing their miserable reign as world champions would reach a shambolic conclusion if Tonga topple them.

Wilkinson said: "We've already seen huge performances from the likes of Tonga, who showed against South Africa you have to go out there with everything. You need to go out there and be enormously committed to a cup-final mentality."

England have lost 25 Test matches since Martin Johnson held aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy in Sydney almost four years ago.

A 26th defeat from 44 games would officially make them the worst reigning world champions in rugby union history, given that every previous title holder at least made the quarter-finals.

The last-eight prize for England is an appointment with Australia in Marseille on Saturday week.

Tonga though, having pushed Pool A winners South Africa to the limit five days ago, are confident they will head south while England fly home.

Wilkinson added: "Tonga are a hugely-organised side, as well as having that fantastic flair and physical ability that makes them enormously dangerous and threatening. There is a fantastic balance."