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Martin Johnson: 'We stepped up'

Johnson: 'We stepped up'
© PA Photos
Martin Johnson is pleased with England's preparation for the World Cup after recording a victory over Ireland.

England coach Martin Johnson was pleased with his team's performance during their 20-9 victory away at Ireland.

The 41-year-old believes that the result leaves England in good shape for the World Cup but has raised concerns about injuries suffered to Hendre Fourie and Mark Cueto during the match.

"You want to win games and this is a tough place to come and win. It just demonstrates to us, if we ever have doubts, when we go and do what we talk about doing, it's effective and we're a pretty decent team," he said after the match.

"There was lots of 'not perfect' about it, having to change the team and then [during the match] seeing Hendre Fourie strain his hamstring and Mark Cueto suffer a back spasm.

"We needed to perform and step up, which we did and the two tries were obviously crucial."

England begin their World Cup campaign against Argentina on Saturday, September 10.

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