England fired up by fear of losing

Clive Woodward today revealed his team are being driven by "a huge fear factor" of being beaten by Wales.

Sunday's quarter-final in Brisbane, which was previously seen as a routine win for England, was given a more explosive focus yesterday by Wales' brave 53-37 defeat to New Zealand.

Woodward, whose team thrashed Uruguay 111-13 earlier, said: "It will be easier to motivate the team after the Welsh result because there will be a huge fear factor. That's just what we need going into this match because if you lose you are on the plane home and that is why there is a complete change of mind set this week."

Wales have taken great heart from their heroics against the All Blacks. Flanker Jonathan Thomas, who ripped holes in the much-vaunted New Zealand defence, said: "We've learned a lot from this game and it has given us fresh belief. Now we believe we can beat England.

"It's going to take an even bigger effort than the one we've just produced but we've really come on as a squad and can definitely win this one. Anything can happen."

Woodward arrived in Brisbane insisting injured wing Iain Balshaw will be fit for the match along with flanker Richard Hill, who has yet to play.