Ben Earl: 'Let's go and win the semi-final, let's get to the World Cup final'
Ben Earl produced another excellent display in England's World Cup quarter-final win over Fiji
©Steve Haag
Ben Earl is relishing being in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals after a standout display in England's 30-24 last-eight victory over Fiji.
The Saracens forward starred in the back-row alongside Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry as Steve Borthwick's troops edged their way past the Pacific Islanders in Marseille and the impressive Earl is hoping England can go all the way to the final on October 28th.
"Let's go and win the semi-final, let's get to the World Cup final," said Earl. "We felt the support coming to Marseille, not the easiest place to get to - how many English people were there? Think about how many people are going to be in Paris, it's going to be nuts isn't it?
"That's the exciting bit and we're going to recover well, have a bit of a different week in terms of that short turnaround and crack on."
With the breakdown always going to be a key area against Fiji, the impressive Lawes, Curry and Earl all performed well as England survived a late rally to win five games in a row for the first time since 2021.
"I think questions were asked of the back row after the Samoa game," Earl continued. "Like I said, big game players have to start standing up and we've seen Courtney and Tom do it on the big stage and watching those boys in full flight is an absolute privilege.
"I'm glad we could all contribute and it feels like it's the start of our journey as a three and hopefully we have two more big games to do it."
Earl - who made 99 metres against Fiji - continues to be a massive influence on this England side every time he pulls on the shirt and another eye-catching display at No.8 surely makes a nailed on starter for the semi-finals in Paris on Saturday.
"The amount of experience and leadership and boys standing up at the right moments makes it so easy for someone like me to crack on and do my thing and if the time ever comes where they need a bit more from me, I'll be ready for that but at the moment I'll focus on playing well, contributing well but at the moment, we're good."
