You are in > manchester.com  > News > Ashton unhappy with England finishing

Rugby Union

Ashton unhappy with England finishing

11/08/2007

England coach Brian Ashton criticised his side's poor finishing after they lost 21-15 against France at Twickenham today.

Ashton's men created numerous chances but failed to score a try and were punished by a late try by French forward Sebastien Chabal.

"You work incredibly hard by opening up three or four opportunities in the second half and you blow every one of them," said Ashton.

"You don't win big games against good sides playing like that. You don't win World Cups playing like that, either."

Stand-in England captain Mike Catt, who was one of his side's most impressive performers today, was a little more positive.

"We've come a long way over the last eight weeks and that has put us in good stead to move forward," he said.

"We showed a lot of heart but our execution let us down. France closed us down well but we seemed to be a bit rusty as a team and we have got to iron out the mistakes."

Ashton names his 30-man World Cup squad on Tuesday before his team meet France again next Saturday, and the England coach says he is close to finalising his squad.

He said: "I am pretty close to my final 30, but there are still issues. I will have to hold some hard conversations very soon with guys who have worked really hard these past weeks, but that is my job."

© Adfero Ltd