Relax pal.

New England defence coach John Mitchell believes England can usurp World Champions the All Blacks within a year as the best rugby team in the world.

England currently sit fifth in the world rankings after losses to Scotland, Ireland, France and South Africa (twice) this year, but Mitchell, a former All Blacks coach himself – believes they can turn things completely around in just 12 months.

Mitchell says he’s “seen it in the past”, and reckons it is much easier to close the gap during a World Cup year.

“I’ve seen the movie a few times; made lots of mistakes,” Mitchell told the Daily Telegraph

“I am very comfortable in my own skin in where I am at and what I’ve got to do.”

“I really believe that England can get better and be the best within a year’s time – I really do believe that. Why? Because of what I’ve seen in the past.”

“They [the All Blacks] are outstanding, but I guess what gives us all life is that it is a World Cup year – and a World Cup does close the gap.”

Up first for Mitchell as a member of England’s coaching staff is a chance for further revenge against South Africa, before taking on the mighty All Blacks themselves. Let’s see how much he believes what he says by the end of that fixture.