England and Fiji clash for the eighth time when they meet in the World Cup quarter-finals in Marseille on Sunday with Steve Borthwick’s men strong favourites to reach the last-four stage of the tournament.
Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the Stade Velodrome showdown.
Moment of truth
Last dance
Pantomime villains
Our team for Sunday’s quarter-final is here! ?
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KO: 16:00 BST | Tune in on ITV#ENGvFIJ | #RWC2023
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 13, 2023
If England reach the semi-finals they will have done so at the expense of the darlings of the World Cup, ending the fairy tale scenario of a Pacific Islands team appearing in the penultimate stage for the first time. Number eight Billy Vunipola has acknowledged his side are “public enemy number one”, but points out that historical anti-English sentiment means they are well versed in fighting against popular opinion. On the favourites’ side is that the vast numbers of Red Rose fans who have followed their team in France will be out in force again, turning the Stade Velodrome into a home venue.
War on the floor
Can lightening strike twice?
