England 30-24 Fiji: Steve Borthwick praises 'written-off' side after making World Cup semi-final
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Steve Borthwick praised his side's reaction to coping with Fiji's late rally
Steve Borthwick said he felt England's World Cup prospects had been "written off" by many, as he praised a mature performance in their win over Fiji.
A much-improved England saw off a Fiji fightback to win the quarter-final 30-24 and make it into the last four.
The head coach was pleased with the way England closed out the game as they continued their 100% record in France.
"Let's not forget this team was written off, and we will be written off again going to Paris," said Borthwick.
England will play their semi-final against South Africa in the French capital on Saturday.
"We will make sure to prepare well and to do our best. I am pleased for all the players," Borthwick added.
England won all of their pool games but their performances came under scrutiny, particularly after they needed a late try to see off Samoa in their last match before the quarter-final.
But it was a more positive display against Fiji, and England had the game under control until the last quarter when two quick tries put the scores level at 24-24 going into the final 10 minutes.
Owen Farrell scored 20 points in England's quarter-final win over Fiji
England's reaction to pressure situations had also been called into question, but captain Owen Farrell settled any growing anxiety with a drop-goal and a late penalty to seal the victory.
"Many people wrote that we wouldn't get out of the group," said Borthwick. "Maybe some of them are here tonight. The team performed well to top the group and performed well to find a way to win tonight.
"I don't really care what other people think of us. I care about the development of the team."
Although England went into the game as favourites, Fiji only had to think back to August - when they swept Borthwick's men aside at Twickenham in a World Cup warm-up game - to get a shot of confidence.
England's players may have started to recall that uncomfortable game as well, as Fiji found their way back into Sunday's contest in style and threatened a memorable comeback win.
But Borthwick was pleased with how his side handled the situation.
"What our team did was find a way to get back on to the scoreboard and handled it in a mature, smart manner," he said.
"Fiji are always capable of doing that, we saw that a few weeks ago, and the England team has learned a lot. In that game today you saw some really good rugby from both sides, I am particularly pleased with how we closed out the game.
"The team has built through the tournament. There is a squad full of talented players who perform on the big occasion. What they did was perform on the big occasion."
Farrell shows characteristic nerve
The head coach praised the leadership of Farrell, whose place in the team has been questioned after George Ford's match-winning performances earlier in the tournament.
"He is an incredible leader and player. He rises to the biggest of occasions and he led the team phenomenally well today," said Borthwick.
"He is a brilliant player who thrives in the contest and especially in these big occasions, he just gets even better.
"We are very fortunate to have Owen as a player in this team and as our leader. He should feel very proud of his performance and the way he led the team."
Ben Earl made a vital late break upfield to ease the pressure on England as Fiji pushed for a winner
Saracens number eight Ben Earl was another of England's standout performers and called the win one of the best days of his career.
"I've not had a feeling like that at the end of the game, just huge relief," he said.
"I am so pleased for the group and certain individuals. We owe it to them to keep playing another couple of weeks in the England shirt.
"After we played Fiji at Twickenham, we got told we wouldn't get out of the group. But now we are in the semi-final, one of the best four teams in the competition. It is anyone's game now."
Can England reach the final?
After Ireland and Wales lost on Saturday, England are the last home nation in the tournament, and on Saturday will face South Africa after the holders beat hosts France in their quarter-final on Sunday.
England can expect a much bigger challenge than they have faced so far, but Bristol prop Ellis Genge said his side were improving in "leaps and bounds".
"There is loads of work to do," he said. "We will go back to the hotel and have a few chats and work out what we need to improve. But winning brings you together."
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