World Cup winner Jason Robinson insists England must find another gear if they are to overcome Scotland and reach the knock-out stages in New Zealand.
Martin Johnson’s men remain unbeaten in Pool B but defeat without a bonus point in Auckland would likely signal the end of their campaign.
Conversely Scotland have struggled for form, edging past Georgia and Romania before crashing to defeat against Argentina, but they could still maintain their record of reaching the knock-out stages of every World Cup by beating England by eight points.
And Robinson, who lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in Australia in 2003, admits Johnson’s Red Rose brigade must step up a level to advance at Scotland’s expense.
“England have done what they’ve needed to do but there hasn’t been one great performance,” said Robinson. “The guys really need to pick it up.
“Scotland lost composure right at the end against Argentina, it would have been bitterly disappointing.
“Knowing [head coach] Andy [Robinson] he will have the boys well fired up for this contest.”
Opposite number Johnson has opted for experience in the do-or-die clash, handing his former team-mate Jonny Wilkinson the No.10 shirt and sticking with Mike Tindall in the centres.
And Robinson, who was also part of the England team who were defeated in the final of the 2007 tournament, believes Johnson has made the right call.
“This is where you become a player,” said Robinson. “You are in the fiery furnace and if you slip up you could be going home.
“For many of the boys this will be their last chance. This is a massive game.”
