POLL: Time for England to deliver big victories, admits Haskell

England's players show their disappointment after defeat to South Africa last weekend.

Lancaster has been praised for his realignment of the squad’s ethos following the shambolic 2011 World Cup when a succession of off-field incidents left England’s reputation in tatters.

Now three years into his reign as head coach, Lancaster’s current challenge is to build a side capable of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 10 months time.

Five successive defeats have forced England to deny they are at crisis point, but the mounting pressure has turned the remaining internationals against Samoa and Australia into must-win games.

Haskell stresses that each loss was inflicted by heavyweights New Zealand or South Africa, but accepts it is time for England to deliver.

“It’s important for us to get results on the board. We don’t feel like we’re in crisis or there’s tension, but ultimately what cements everything we’re doing is results,” said Haskell.

“No one will reflect back in a year’s time and say ‘Oh, that was a narrow victory’. They just want to see a ‘W’. Nor will they say ‘win or lose, they’ve got a really good culture’. Frankly it doesn’t matter.

“My own view and the view of the boys is that finishing an honourable second is not acceptable, but let’s get some context here – they have been against the world champions and the second-best team in the world. We’ve pushed some very good sides, but are aware we need to take that step and take those opportunities.”

Samoa are probably the most physical opponents England could be facing outside the southern hemisphere giants and Haskell has braced his team-mates for a ferocious collision.

“I’ve always been very envious of the Samoans with their natural ability, talent and power,” added Haskell. “They seem to be born with all the attributes of what you need as a rugby player that the rest of us spend all of our careers working for. They have their way and I’ve seen people get smoked by them. We’ll have to fight fire with fire.”

Fly-half Owen Farrell is set to retain his place in the starting XV, but will be moved to inside centre with George Ford taking the No 10 jersey. Leeds-born scrum-half Danny Care has been dropped alongside Billy Vunipola and Kyle Eastmond. Luther Burrell has also been sent back to his club.