ENGLAND are running out of time to prove their credentials as World Cup contenders next year according to former St Thomas More Catholic School pupil Mark Cueto.

Cueto, a runner-up in the 2007 final defeat to South Africa, is adamant that without a win over one of the southern hemisphere trio of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia this autumn then England cannot be considered realistic winners for next year’s tournament.

Last weekend Stuart Lancaster’s side were taught a lesson by a clinical All Blacks side, who emerged from a wet and windy Twickenham with a comfortable victory, despite a 24-21 scoreline that flattered the hosts.

For a flying winger like Cueto there was the stand-out highlight of Jonny May’s magnificent solo try, but even that failed to paper over the cracks against the number one side in the world.

Next up for Lancaster are the Springboks and while Cueto, who ran in 20 tries in 55 caps for his country, is confident England are capable of a win, defeat will be a real gut punch for the Red Rose’s World Cup ambitions.

“I think England have shown they can be up there as potential World Cup winners but they need to get a scalp this Autumn, with either this weekend or the match against Australia,” he said.

“If they don't do that then realistically people will be saying 'how are they going to win the World Cup?'

“England have shown they can compete against the best (in New Zealand) and they are resilient. They're a tough team to beat.

“I think the scoreline probably flattered England a bit so it’s disappointing but this week’s a different challenge for them.

“Arguably South Africa are almost better than New Zealand, having beaten them recently, but you know what’s coming.”

The Springboks will arrive at Rugby HQ on Saturday hurting from a heavy defeat to Ireland in Dublin last weekend.

And Cueto has warned his former England teammates that anything less than their best will be punished against a South Africa side that relish the physical battle of international rugby.

“You know they’re going to be physical, you know they’re going to try to dominate you and bully you in every contact and every set piece, but I think England have got the pack to deal with that,” he added.

“From a defensive point of view, the South African attack will play into England’s defence. There’s not a huge amount of deception in what they do and that aggressive line speed we see England employ.

"They can go even harder at that because they know they won’t get caught with the ball out the back.

“So I think we’ll get a win this weekend. I know everyone expects a reaction from South Africa after the Irish defeat but I think there’ll be a reaction from England too.

"I think the way South Africa play will hopefully play into England’s hands.”

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