England supporter Mako Vunipola believes their series win in Australia paved the way for a successful push into the World Cup.
The Saracen supporter also believes that this fall’s “mini World Cup” will lay the groundwork for next year’s reality.
Manager Eddie Jones sees the November games against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa as an empty race for his team’s France 2023 title bid, in which they will face Pumas and Brave Blossoms in the group stage.
Vunipola was part of the England squad that reached the final in 2019 and believes a similar autumn schedule the year before was key to their success in Japan.
“We did it in 2018 when there was a similar situation as we had four difficult games and we were on the pitch all the time. He helped us in 2019 and we can’t wait to take on the challenge this time, ”Vunipola said.
“Winning the Australian Series this summer showed how we want to grow as a team. We have adapted from the first test to the last.
“It is up to us to continue building on those for the match against Argentina next Sunday and to worry about what we can do as an English team to be the best in the world.”
England faces a leadership crisis as Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell struggle with concussions that threaten their involvement against the Pumas, but Vunipola sees this as an opportunity to strengthen her leadership depth.
“There are a lot of guys here who have been in and around the field for a long time, but Owen and Courtney are invaluable,” Vunipola said.
“One because they were captains before and the experience it brings, but even more because of the players they are. They lead through their actions.
“But it’s an opportunity for other people to take action now. I keep my fingers crossed for them to come back next week, but it’s hard with a concussion. “
England have confirmed that they will have player names on the back of their shirts all autumn in a rare move for rugby.