Andy Robinson has underlined his total belief in his side as they prepare for a make-or-break clash against France tomorrow.
England will take on the French in their own backyard, knowing they have not recorded an away victory in the fixture for six years.
And England winning would set them up for a full-scale assault on the RBS 6 Nations Championship title against Ireland at Twickenham next Saturday, but defeat would leave them contemplating another campaign of frustrating under-achievement.
England began the competition with back-to-back victories over Wales and Italy, but a surprise Calcutta Cup loss to Scotland last time out raised questions about Robinson's side.
Robinson said: "I have got total belief in this team. This game is set up in that the winner will go on to play for the championship next week, so in that respect, it is a semi-final."
He added: "Tomorrow's game will tell us where we are. We want to win the championship, it was one of our aims for the season, and I have full confidence in the way the team is playing the game.
"The guys are raring to go, and the only way you can deal with a loss is by going out and performing on the next occasion."
Like England, France have only played in fits and starts during this season's Six Nations, which makes the tussle all the more intriguing just 17 months before England launch their World Cup defence.
"I am looking forward to the game and how we respond to the defeat against Scotland," said Robinson.
"This is a completely different challenge. If you give France one half-break or you have a lapse of concentration, then they possess the ability to spark and run the length of the field to score.
"Look at the game here two years ago. It was pretty close for the first 20 minutes, then France scored something like 21 points in the next 20 minutes and suddenly the game had got away from us."
