Pre-World Cup, many would have expected the above statement to be a foregone conclusion. However, those England fans who have endured the uncertainty of the past couple of weeks must be breathing a collective sigh of relief.
Without romanticising what has simply been below standard, England have faced their demons, and are now a stronger unit because of it.
The performance may not have been vintage, but it was an improvement. There was ability to match the effort, and a sense that lessons have been learned. Tonga were enthusiastic, England were pragmatic. Another game, another step forward, and more momentum.
It was a case of movement. The lateral lines that were evident against the South Africans were replaced by exciting angles. The pack were constantly in motion rather than static. Tonga were eager to open the game up, England decided to fight fire with fire - and it worked.
The press had their knives sharpened in preparation for an English disaster. It never came.
Even Andrew 'The Human Dartboard' Farrell got in on the act, crossing for a try which was a just reward for a measured display from the bench. Not even the most hardened hack could find fault with his performance, although some will probably try.
Putting things into perspective, it will be tough for England to progress past Australia and a place in the Semi-Finals. England's hunger is matched and bettered by Australian flair and an unrelenting belief. As unpatriotic as it may seem, I think the Wallabies will triumph, and go some way to laying the ghosts of 2003 to rest for good.
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