Stuart LancasterStuart Lancaster is convinced he has demonstrated his credentials as an international coach as he refuses to signal the end of his England stewardship.
The worst World Cup performance in Red Rose history will draw to a close against Uruguay at Manchester City Stadium today, with the future of Lancaster in grave doubt.
A review into England’s failure to reach the knockout phase will begin next week and Lancaster may yet decide his reign must not end here.
“I’ve had 45 games in charge now, which makes me the second most experienced England coach,” Lancaster said.
“The win percentage was never high enough for me, but I have learnt a lot along the way and I back myself to coach at this level, no doubt about it.
“We’ve drawn with South Africa and we’ve beaten every other in-ternational team along the way, but you get judged on the one thing (the World Cup).
“Results define coaching success, but equally there are a lot of other things from which I take confidence in the way I prepared this team.
“But it’s not just about me. There are other people who have got their opinions. And then there is what the review says and what the RFU say.”
Played yesterday
Pool C: N. Zealand vs Tonga 47-9
Playing today
Pool B: 15.30 Samoa vs Scotland.
Pool A: 17.45 Australia vs Wales; 21.00 England vs Uruguay.