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Tindall: England team runs itself

09/02/2007

England veteran Mike Tindall believes the national side has enough experienced players so that the team "almost runs itself".

Tindall was one of three England players who won their 50th caps against Scotland last weekend – former captain Martin Corry and current skipper Phil Vickery were the other two.

And in addition to this trio of half-centurions, England have their all-time leading scorer Jonny Wilkinson back in the side along with Jason Robinson, who has withdrawn his decision to retire from the international game.

Tindall believes these players form a solid backbone for the side and their combined experience allows the team to adjust to circumstances on the field.

"We've so many senior players the team almost runs itself," Tindall said. "We know when things are wrong and make changes.

"We put pressure on ourselves without pressure from the coaches, that's what we expect of every player who plays."

England have started the Six Nations well, with a 42-20 win over an off-colour Scotland side at Twickenham.

Perennial whipping boys Italy are the visitors this weekend, meaning England will be hoping to register a second win in a row for the first time since the opening two matches of last year's competition.

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