Billy Vunipola says England ‘love being public enemy No 1’ as Steve Borthwick’s men forge siege mentality ahead of World Cup quarter-final against fans favourites Fiji

• England happy to play the role of pantomime villains in Sunday’s quarter-final
• Head coach Steve Borthwick faces various selection dilemmas for Fiji clash
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here

England are happy to play the role of pantomime villains when they face popular Fiji in the World Cup quarter-finals in Marseille on Sunday.

The Pacific Islanders will have the backing of French fans and all neutrals in a capacity crowd at Stade Velodrome. 

But England are unfazed by the prospect of having to circle the wagons and forge an us-against-the-world mentality.

When asked about Fiji’s support, No 8 Billy Vunipola said: ‘I would not say Fiji is their second favourite (team), I’d say England is their first least favourite team. In terms of being public enemy No 1, we’re happy to take that mantle.

‘We are seeing a lot of teams being talked up. There’s a top four in international rugby, apparently. I didn’t know there was a table. We are quietly and confidently going about our work. Our plan is to play well firstly against Fiji and deal with whatever happens after.’

England are happy to play the role of pantomime villains when they face popular Fiji

England head coach Steve Borthwick faces various selection dilemmas this week

England flanker Tom Curry echoed Vunipola’s view about being at ease with being cast as the crowd’s villains, adding: ‘We had it in the first game against Argentina, the booing and stuff. You looked around and lads were smiling. It’s an exciting time. Whether people like you or they don’t, it doesn’t matter. It’s just an exciting game; quarter-final of the World Cup. As long as you’ve got your family and friends behind you, which I hope they are… no, I know they are!’

England head coach Steve Borthwick faces various selection dilemmas this week, after what looked like his strongest XV were pushed to the brink of defeat by Samoa in Lille, before snatching an unconvincing 18-17 win. There will be focus again on the playmakers and attack coach Richard Wigglesworth hinted there may be a change to the 10-12 axis, after George Ford and Owen Farrell filled those places last weekend.

‘It was the first time in a while for them (together),’ he said. ‘We’ll look to adapt as ever and field the best team we feel can get the win. Things change with the nature of the side, whether you have more of a ball-playing or a power 12.’

There has been renewed criticism of Farrell after he struggled to convince during the Samoa escape. But within the Red Rose camp, there is nothing but admiration for the captain’s influence. The management believe he becomes even more of an asset in high-stakes weeks like this.

Marco Itoje evades David Ribbans and Courtney Lawes on the tackle bags as the Fiji Test looms

England were pushed to the brink of defeat by Samoa, before snatching a 18-17 win

Fiji were beaten by Portugal in their last pool match but will be the fans’ favourites when they play England

‘He’s a winner,’ said Wigglesworth. ‘That is Owen. Under the harshest of pressures and biggest of moments, he tends to get better. That is a sign of a winner. He has more of an impact on the people around him as well.

‘We know what’s said about him. He’s the highest-ever points-scorer for England, delivers time and again, and those players tend to catch the most flak. We’ve got one of the best. We’re lucky to have him. He will have a massive impact on this week and this game.’

Much of the talk yesterday was about the breakdown threat posed by Fiji and their supreme veteran flanker, Levani Botia.

Vunipola said: ‘It’s not just him (Botia). They’ve got other threats in terms of jackalers. They’ve got (Josua) Tuisova, their nine loves a dabble. They are one of the biggest threats around the breakdown in world rugby.’

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