Eddie Jones realistic over England World Cup issues: 'Every team has its problems'

Eddie Jones cannot promise England will not have any discipline issues during the World Cup.

The Red Rose on Monday announced their squad for the tournament, which starts next month, with flanker Lewis Ludlam and wing Ruaridh McConnochie the shock inclusions.

Jones has set his sights on going all the way in Japan, but has warned that there could be bumps in the road.

England’s World Cup campaign in 2011 was marred by off-field issues, while more recently there were reports of a bust-up during the team’s training camp in Italy between full-back Mike Brown and centre Ben Te’o.

The RFU have declined to comment on the alleged incident, while Jones has also refused to discuss the matter.

In Pictures | England's Rugby World Cup squad | 12/08/2019

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However, the Australian has admitted that there is a chance England could have discipline issues in Japan.

“I’ve coached for 25 years, I’ve never been confident in a team being smooth,” said Jones.

“We’re like any family – everyone sits around the dining table, everyone enjoys good conversation but you know there are problems and we’re exactly the same.

“We’ve got 31 sitting around the table, we can have nice conversations. You know potentially there’s a problem.

“All I can do is trust the players – they are adults, they’re responsible, they want to play for England and we could have some problems.

Eddie Jones has vowed to deal with any disciplinary issues that may arise with England at the World Cup
Getty Images

“If we do, we’ll deal with them. Every team has problems… don’t believe the Legacy book, which everyone seems to base their opinion on teams on.

“No team’s like that – every team has its problems. I’m sure we’ll have our problems and we’ll deal with it.

“Nothing’s ever changed – the senior players run the team but sometimes the coach has got to come in and tell them to pull their socks up, or pick up the bottles.”

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