Brian Ashton is backing England to make history and become the first side to successfully defend the World Cup after last night's 14-9 semi-final victory over France.

Ashton laughed off the idea that in seven days time he could be guaranteed the tag 'Sir Brian', having led the defending champions to victory over either South Africa or Argentina and a second world title.

But after overseeing a remarkable transformation in the space of a month, Ashton would not bet against his side doing exactly that. "I can't imagine this group of players would ever be satisfied just by getting to the final," Ashton said. "They have come so far on a very difficult journey during the World Cup. They want to create history.

"If you had asked me the question five weeks ago - are you going to get to the World Cup final? - I would have had to think deep and hard before I said yes.

"Now they are in the position they are in, it wouldn't surprise me if they completed the job."

And of the knighthood, he said: "Whatever happens next week, I just can't believe that would happen. Given the background I come from, it is not something you ever even consider."

When England were thumped 36-0 by South Africa in the pool stages, they had slipped to 50-1 outsiders and were being labelled the worst defending champions ever.

Since that day, Jonny Wilkinson has returned to the side at fly-half and formed an effective combination with Mike Catt, while the likes of Simon Shaw and Andrew Sheridan have been inspirational up front.

"That South Africa match came at the right time," Ashton said. "It gave us a massive wake-up call and so far. That was the defining moment of the tournament for me. Since then, we have won four games on the bounce and hopefully we will make it five next week."

Ashton takes none of the credit for England's transformation. He trusts his men implicitly and when the game reached it's climax last night, with his side trailing by one point, he knew France could not match them.

And sure enough, England did not panic. They worked the territory and presented Jonny Wilkinson with the chance to land a penalty and a drop goal in the last six minutes to win the game. "We've got the players who know how to win a game," said Ashton. "We have got the armoury within the side to get us in positions where we know we can win it. I think that was the big advantage we had over the French team.

"This squad was specifically selected to defend the World Cup and that is exactly what they are doing. I give the responsibility to players. When they go on the pitch, it is their game. I hate coaching by dictatorship. I am not a control freak. When you have experience in your side, it is the players doing what they do best that will win the game."