None of the 2003 World Cup winning players can get into current England team - Jones
England head coach Eddie Jones would not include any of England's World Cup winners in his current side
©PA
Eddie Jones insisted that none of the 2003 World Cup winning England players can make it to his current red rose side.
England under Jones has been on a phenomenal rise after winning Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years during the Six Nations 2016, completed a 3-0 series whitewash against Wallabies in Australia for the first time and won all four matches of their autumn international fixtures as well.
They are also on a 14-match winning streak which saw them level the record set by Sir Clive Woodward's 2003 World Cup winning team and are now placed second in World Rugby Rankings.
When asked whether can any of the 2003 World Cup winning England player can displace the current squad, Jones said: "None of those guys would.
"There are some great players there, some real world-class players: Jason Robinson, Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Richard Hill and Lawrence Dallaglio.
"They would get in most sides in the world but we have got a really good side now and the great thing about our team is every player is improving, so whilst those guys would certainly be in contention, we're happy with the guys we've got now."
The 56-year-old cited the change in tempo of the game over the last decade as the reason behind it.
"Because it's only a young professional sport and been going since '96, the evolution of the game has been quite rapid and the players keep on getting bigger," Jones added.
"They're faster and stronger and in some cases more skilful in different areas of the game.
"Ten years ago we had no aerial contests in the world but now aerial contest is such a big part of the game."
The former Wallabies coach pinpointed Ireland and France as two of the most improved teams ahead of the Six Nations 2017 tournament along with England.
"Definitely France and Ireland," he said.
"Ireland have been impressive. They obviously had that world-breaking win against the All Blacks, they were very well coached by Joe Schmidt and have produced some good young players, so they have really improved.
"France have started to get their old spirit back. The coach has done a great job in regenerating a France style of play. They've always had talented players, so I'm anticipating our first game is going to be our most difficult game."
