PARIS (AFP) — England's rugby World Cup squad arrived in France on Monday with captain Phil Vickery insisting that his team will give a good account of themselves despite two unimpressive showings against the French in warm-up games.
England flew out from London's Heathrow airport around midday local time aboard a British Airways flight christened "Hope and Glory".
After the short trip over the Channel Brian Ashton's men touched down at Charles de Gaulle airport before being whisked off to their World Cup base near Versailles, south of Paris.
They kick off their title defence against the United States on Saturday in Lens.
No side has ever successfully defended the Webb Ellis Trophy but after a miserable four years England, now ranked seventh in the world, are listed as 33-1 outsiders.
And last month's back-to-back defeats to France were a stark reminder to England how much they must improve if they hope to mount a successful title defence.
Before leaving home Vickery, a veteran of England's victorious 2003 campaign, said: "I don't want to be remembered as the captain who had to give the trophy back. I can guarantee I will give 110 percent to keep hold of it."
He added: "I am focused on playing for England and captaining my team. I will do that to the best of my ability.
"We must have no regrets. I hope no one in the squad looks back on the tournament with 'if-onlys' or 'could haves' because it is too late then.
"We must give everything we have got and hopefully we can spring a few surprises.
"The France games proved the level we are at is not good enough. But we are not far away. We will go to France and give a good account of ourselves.
England open their campaign against the United States in Lens this Saturday before tackling South Africa in Pool A's pivotal encounter.
"America this weekend will up their game because they are playing England and it will be a big game for us," said Vickery.
"We need to be mentally and physically right. The reality of it all is happening pretty fast now.
"There has been so much talk about the World Cup, but ultimately as a team you just want to get on with it.
"It is going to be intense but everyone is looking forward to it.
"We have all worked extremely hard and I'm really looking forward to the tournament.
Vickery's front-row team-mate Mark Regan said England's status as an outsider would work to their advantage.
"I like the underdog position. I have been it most of my life - it is what people thrive on," said the Bristol hooker.
"Last time (in 2003), people expected us to lose against France in the semi-finals. We beat them.
"The day before, nobody expected New Zealand to lose to Australia. They did.
"We are going there as underdogs. No one expects us to do anything, but that is great. We will use that to ignite us."
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