World ranking: Third
Qualification: Third in pool 2015
Best result: Champions 2003
TAB odds: $5.50
Chances: Under Eddie Jones, the English have showed they are still a major threat at this tournament, all-but beating the All Blacks last year and accounting for Ireland in the Six Nations.
You're never really sure which England side will show up, but as former Japan coach, Jones will also feel comfortable in these surroundings and his team can't be discounted.
Leading players
Mario Itoje
The best lock in world rugby not called Brodie Retallick. Itoje outplayed the All Blacks locking stocks during the 2017 Lions tour - a key cog in earning the tourists a series draw.
Owen Farrell
While New Zealanders watch in awe at the talents of Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett, Farrell continues to dominate European rugby. An outstanding playmaker, who is just as good at 12 as he is at 10.
Manu Tuilagi
The barnstorming centre single-handedly beat the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2012, but injury has hampered his career progression. He is an X-factor player, so expect a big tournament for Tuilagi.
Jamie George
The best hooker in European rugby, George is a brute of a scrummager, mobile around the paddock and possesses razor-precise lineout throwing.
Ben Youngs
Much like most European number nines, Youngs has a brilliant box kick to back up his bullet pass. Good around the ruck, he will pose problems for tiring defences.
Squad
Forwards: Dan Cole, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler, Jack Singleton, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Mark Wilson.
Backs: Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Piers Francis, Willi Heinz, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs.
Pool draw (NZT)
September 22
England v Tonga, Sapporo, 10:15pm
September 26
England v USA, Kobe City, 10:45pm
October 5
England v Argentina, Tokyo, 9pm (live updates)
October 12
England v France, Yokohama City, 9:15pm (live updates)
Newshub.
Rugby World Cup 2019 Dictionary
The ninth Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 20 in Japan - the first time it has been hosted in Asia.
Everything you need to know about rugby and the World Cup...
