England in crisis: Andy Robinson has effectively been given two matches to save his England job, as the World Cup holders continue to fall so freely that a place in next year's quarter-finals cannot be taken for granted. Samoa gave England the hurry-up in the 2003 tournament and they lie in wait in Nantes next September 22nd.

It is said Robinson has had no real role since last summer's coaching reshuffle, but that is not quite true: by being held responsible by the public and the media for England's record-equalling run of seven defeats, he is acting as a shield for his players. He is also protecting his new trio of coaches.

The backs coach, Brian Ashton, is trying to wean the players off the impact game and to get them to open their eyes. Ashton was kept away from the media after the defeat to Argentina, but some players went off message and said they felt they had gone from one extreme to another, concerned that the new game lacked balance.

Robinson has been excoriated for whipping off Charlie Hodgson, 13 minutes into the second-half, and replacing him with a tyro in Toby Flood. But the outhalf was playing like a beaten man. His final act may have been that missed penalty kick to touch, but what would have convinced Robinson to replace him happened three minutes before. Argentina lost possession inside England's half and the ball was moved to Hodgson.

It was the perfect time to attack, but Hodgson, who said afterwards that England's approach had been too loose, put his boot to the ball and sliced his kick into touch.

Hodgson is one of the most naturally talented outhalfs England have produced, but he does not have half of Jonny Wilkinson's mental strength. The essence of Ashton's approach is for players to play as they see it, and the outhalf is the tactical hub of his side. Hodgson was badly served by his forwards on Saturday, with possession too slow, but it was up to him to adjust.

One of the reasons New Zealand are the best team in the world is the capacity their players have for thinking on their feet. They respond to what is going on around them. England merely reflect the Premiership, an over-hyped tournament which is about brawn, not brain.

Play is too often programmed rather than reactive, with skill levels appallingly low, and Robinson can hardly be blamed for the fact the national side is the product of the structure that underpins it.

Last season, England lacked any sense of direction. At least they have now cut a path for themselves, even if it is one some of the forwards are reluctant to take.

Change takes time, and sacking Robinson now would not address the problems facing the English game, although the head coach and the RFU have made mistakes.

And England lack leaders. Phil Vickery and Lawrence Dallaglio will have been mentioned at yesterday's selection meeting. As a player, Dallaglio is not clamouring for inclusion, but as a captain, providing he is given energetic flankers like Lewis Moody and Tom Rees, he merits consideration.

In 2003, when Wales did not know where their next win was coming from, coach Steve Hansen turned to veteran hooker Jonathan Humphreys for leadership.

"I sympathise with England, because I know exactly what they are going through," said the current Wales captain, Stephen Jones. "We lost 10 in a row and Steve was one defeat from the sack: in less than two years we had won the grand slam. As players we knew where we were going and I am sure it is the same with England: we would not have got there if the Welsh Rugby Union had panicked. We are in a results-based business but there are times when you have to take the longer view."

Argentina forward Martin Schusterman will face an International Rugby Board disciplinary hearing tomorrow after being cited for a dangerous tackle on England's Iain Balshaw.

Guardian Service