Forty-three players gathered in the Pennyhill Hotel in Bagshot at the start of England's World Cup campaign. After three more summer Tests, the squad would be whittled down to the final 30.

Eight of the squad were struck off the list after the first French game. "It's the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but I'm here to make tough decisions," said coach Clive Woodward.

The final five were struck off the list after the second French game. "It's the toughest decision I've ever had to make, but I'm here to make tough decisions," said coach Clive Woodward. The 30 chosen squad members were over the moon, but gutted for those who didn't make it.

Even though England were the overwhelming favourites against Georgia, no one was taking anything for granted. "We're not taking anything for granted," said everyone. After a convincing 84-6 win, the squad's main feeling was relief, though injury worries to Richard Hill and Matt Dawson were a concern. "We're relieved but concerned," said everyone.

England were far from convincing against South Africa but still came out convincing winners. "It's good we can still win convincingly when we are playing unconvincingly," said coach Clive Woodward. "Grunt," said skipper Martin Johnson.

England were far from convincing against Samoa but still came out convincing winners. "It's good we can still win convincingly when we are playing unconvincingly," said coach Clive Woodward. "Grunt," said skipper Martin Johnson.

England were far from convincing against Wales but still came out convincing winners. "It's good we can still win convincingly when we are playing unconvincingly," said coach Clive Woodward. "Grunt," said skipper Martin Johnson.

England met the mercurial French as the underdogs, but coach Clive Woodward was quietly confident. "I am quietly confident," he said. "Grunt," said skipper Martin Johnson.

A strong performance from the pack and the golden boot of Saint Jonny Wilkinson saw England crush their northern-hemisphere rivals in the Sydney rain.

It was the golden final. Australia, the bully-boy hosts, and our honest, God-fearing lads. Coach Clive Woodward was quietly confident. "I am quietly confident," he said loudly. "Grunt," said skipper Martin Johnson. By half-time England were well in control, but a series of inexplicable decisions by a poor South African referee let Australia back in.

Thirty seconds of extra time left and St Jonny's sublime drop kick sails effortlessly between the uprights. England are champions. "I feel a little daunted," said St Jonny, "but there are 15 in this marriage."

The digested read ... digested

England still win but fail to convert the magic of the Sydney night to the printed page.