England vs Fiji: Ugo Monye backs the hosts to overcome 'unbelievable athletes' in Rugby World Cup opener

Ugo Monye has backed England to raise their game against Fiji and overcome the “unbelievable athletes” of their opponents in the Rugby World Cup opener.

Stuart Lancaster’s side kick off the tournament tomorrow night as they look to start their tournament with a bang and set the tone for what has been labelled the Group of Death.

With matches against Wales and Australia to come England can ill-afford a slip up against the Pacific nation but the likes of Glasgow lock Leone Nakarawa are likely to cause England plenty of problems.

However Monye has backed the hosts, led by former teammate Chris Robshaw, to rise to the pressure of hosting the world’s best teams and “lay down the gauntlet” for their opponents.

Speaking at the Beats by Dr. Dre launch of ‘The Game Starts Here’ film series the recently-retired winger said he expected England to put the wrongs of 2011 right and, powered on by the support of their fans, challenge New Zealand for the Webb Ellis Cup.

You can watch the interview with Standard Sport above.