We must be more ruthless, says England boss

Brian Ashton has demanded that England rediscover their "ruthless" streak when they begin their World Cup defence next month.

Head coach Ashton watched as his side went down 22-9 to France in Marseille last night, the second successive match in which they have failed to score a try.

Ashton believes his side are creating chances to score but are simply not taking them.

He told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "We have created opportunities in all three games and some of the more clear-cut ones were not executed.

"We've got to be more ruthless in applying ourselves to that area of the game."

"It's a combination of composure and execution."

Ashton nevertheless remains optimistic about the defending champions' prospects when the World Cup gets under way.

"I still feel we've got a good morale within the squad. We're in good physical condition," he said.

"My feeling is still there's a great desire and there will be a belief among these players that they can actually surprise one or two people when the tournament kicks off."

England suffered two injury scares in last night's defeat when Phil Vickery and Martin Corry were both forced off with concussion and a knee problem, respectively.

"Phil Vickery has been fine this morning. I've had breakfast with him," Ashton said.

"I don't think there's anything serious yet."

On Corry, he added: "It wasn't thought last night by either himself or the medical staff to be anything to worry us further down the line."