They've got the one-off players to reach the final Andy Robinson on England

The tournament gets under way on Friday, with England's first match against the USA scheduled a day later.

And Robinson has disregarded those who are writing off England's chances of making an impact, telling BBC Radio 5live: "I've got a hunch about England.

"They will certainly get to the semis and, from there, they've got the one-off players to reach the final."

Interview: Former England coach Andy Robinson

Inside Sport interview: Lawrence Dallaglio

Interview: England captain Phil Vickery

Robinson was sacked as England coach in November last year after 25 months in the job, during which time the team lost 13 of their 22 games played.

And under successor Brian Ashton, the team have slipped to seventh in the world rankings, making them outsiders for the tournament.

England's rugby team left for the 2007 World Cup in France

Robinson added: "New Zealand will obviously start the tournament as favourites, with France also looking strong and you can never write off Australia.

"But I've got a feeling for England."

The former Bath flanker dismissed claims by Lawrence Dallaglio that England, who left for France on Monday, go into the tournament ill-prepared after failing to build on the success of their 2003 triumph under Clive Woodward and Robinson.

Veteran number eight Dallaglio told BBC1's Inside Sport: "The planning process for this World Cup has only just started really.

"It should have started the day after the last one. But for two or three years after the World Cup we were still basking in the success of 2003."

A Springbok side with confidence is a very dangerous animal, so we need to be mentally and physically right England captain Phil Vickery

Robinson countered: "I don't agree with that. Of course, 2003 was magnificent but after that everyone was focusing on 2007.

"But, yes, a review of what's happened over the last four years is necessary so that England are as best prepared for future tournaments as they can be."

England captain Phil Vickery, meanwhile, has warned his side face two tricky matches when they start their World Cup on Saturday.

A match against the USA is followed by South Africa on Friday, 14 September, and Vickery said: "America will up their game and no doubt over-perform.

"Then it's South Africa, whose win over Scotland last week was the best Springbok display I've seen for years.

606: DEBATE What are your thoughts on Dallaglio's comments?

"A Springbok side with confidence is a very dangerous animal, so we need to be mentally and physically right."