England face France and Argentina in 2019 Rugby World Cup
Eddie Jones's side get another tough draw in Japan, while it's Wales vs Australia for the second time in a row
England once again find themselves in the "group of death" following the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, facing games against France and Argentina - two more teams from the top ten.
They are joined in Pool C by one of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, plus Canada or the US. Fiji are currently ranked tenth in the world.
"France are showing signs of considerable improvement under their new head coach Guy Noves, and Argentina are consistent top-drawer performers at World Cup tournaments," says The Guardian.
The Daily Telegraph agrees and says England "face arguably the toughest World Cup pool for the second tournament in succession".
Wales also have a tough draw, with Australia and Georgia - currently ranked above Italy - in their pool.
Ireland, who were one of the top four seeds, avoided the danger sides in the second tier to be pitted against Scotland and Japan.
"Ireland's bumper draw… was summed up perfectly by the snap reaction of Jamie Heaslip, the Leinster number eight's instinctive fist-pump underscoring their hugely agreeable line-up," says the Telegraph.
Scotland, however, are improving and as hosts, Japan will hope to pull off another shock following their 2015 victory against South Africa, then being coached by now-England manager Eddie Jones.
World champions New Zealand were also happy with their opponents: South Africa, who have beaten them only once in their past ten encounters, and Italy, who average fewer than ten points per game against them.
Pool A: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Europe 1, Play-Off winner
Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Africa 1, Repechage winner
Pool C: England, France, Argentina, Americas 1, Oceania 2
Pool D: Australia, Wales, Georgia, Oceania 1, Americas 2
Despite England's tough draw, Jones was bullish. "We want to win the World Cup in 2019 and to win it we need to be ready to play and beat anyone," he said.
"Our pool will be highly competitive and full of intensity, as a World Cup group should be… France have really improved over the past two years and are certainly a dangerous team."
He added that England would be able to "practice a bit" against Argentina during their tour this summer.
