Australia rugby legend John Eales has expressed confidence in England head coach Eddie Jones's ability to turn around the team's fortunes ahead of the 2019 World Cup in Japan. England have lost six of their nine Test matches this year, including a series defeat to South Africa in June, and finished fifth in the Six Nations after entering as champions.
Eales, a World Cup winner with Australia, told BBC Radio 5 live: 'I would never underestimate his ability to turn things around, very, very quickly. He's been around for a long time, and knows how to reinvent himself and tweak things within a team.'
England's recent slump contrasts sharply with their strong form after Jones took over in 2015, which included 18 consecutive Test wins and two Six Nations titles. Eales acknowledged the intensity of Jones's environment but backed him to deliver improvements.
'He demands high standards, so I can imagine the intensity of that environment will be difficult to maintain over a long, sustainable period of time,' Eales said. 'But there is no question England will improve. Anyone who takes England lightly is a fool. They have a lot of talent in the team and a bright guy in charge.'
England are set to face South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia at Twickenham in November. Eales, considered one of the most successful captains in Australian rugby history, believes Jones should remain in charge to lead the team through this challenging period.
