England shaping up well for World Cup challenge

Ben Morgan of England is congratulated by team mates after scoring a try against Australia during their international rugby test match at Twickenham Stadium in London, November 29, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Winning

LONDON (Reuters) - England coach Stuart Lancaster can enjoy Christmas knowing his side are growing in confidence and depth ahead of next year’s World Cup and, though there are issues to address, they should be a formidable force on home soil.

Defeats by New Zealand and South Africa at the start of November made it five losses in a row, and last week’s win over Samoa did little to placate the doomsayers.