England to lock horns with All Blacks in 2018 autumn internationals

England and New Zealand are set to face each other for the first time in four years during the November Tests scheduled next year.

The back to back World Champions will visit Twickenham on 10th November with the number two ranked team in what is expected to be a high-intensity clash.

Apart from the game against Steve Hansen's men, England will also host South Africa, Japan and Australia during their autumn internationals next year as confirmed by the Rugby Football Union.

"We will have to work hard and be smart in what we do to bridge the gap between us and the All Blacks," head coach Eddie Jones said.

England have emerged victorious 19 times out of the 20 games since Jones took over but are yet to face the All Blacks, who have a win percentage of 81.25 over the red rose team.

England's last win over New Zealand came at Twickenham in December 2012 and since then All Blacks have won all five games played between them.

Jones believes the 2018 autumn series will give England a reality check on their preparations leading to the 2019 World Cup.

"The 2018 series is incredibly important for England as we build towards the World Cup," Jones said.

"We want to win that series 4-0 and we will need to play extremely well to beat four very good teams over a four-week period.

"The series will give us a really good indicator of where we are as a squad a year out from the World Cup and gives us a real focus on what we have to do over the next 12 months to be ready for that series and win.

"Over the next year we need to continue to develop a bulletproof side, that can find ways to win in matches.

"Our ambition is to be the number one team in the world going into the World Cup in Japan."

2018 Autumn Internationals Fixtures for England:

3rd November v South Africa
10th November v New Zealand
17th November v Japan
24th November v Australia