Despite an injury-time defeat to Wales at Wembley which gave the Five Nations crown to Scotland, England were the in-form European team of 1999.

Clive Woodward's side defeated Scotland 24-21 at Twickenham, before dismissing France and Ireland with relative ease.

Consequently, much was expected of England at the Rugby World Cup.

And with a talented horde of players that includes captain Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Matt Dawson and Jonny Wilkinson, few argued with coach Clive Woodward's exaltation they were good enough to win it.

Woodward's chosen mantra of "judge me on the World Cup" quickly began to haunt him, however.

England lost their opening game against New Zealand and fell in the quarter-finals to South Africa after Jannie De Beer notched up five drop goals and 34 points.

English fans mourned the loss as yet another example of unfulfilled potential.

There were calls for Woodward to resign and the British domestic system again came under pressure for reform after Wales, Scotland and Ireland also failed to make the semi-finals of the competition.

The fall-out was particularly huge for England, however. Many of the side (Johnson, Dallaglio, Tim Rodber, Richard Hill, Matt Dawson) had formed an integral part of the successful 1997 British Lions squad.

And with the strongest back-row in Europe, perhaps even the world, questions were asked as to just why possession could not be turned into points.

Trophy chest bare

After showing so much early promise, England ended 1999 with nothing to show for their efforts.

Johnson's side had looked certain to be crowned the last Five Nations champions in history, until Welsh centre Scott Gibbs denied them with a late try, converted by Neil Jenkins.

England had deserved victory, but the scoreline of 32-31 instead sent the championship north.

English fans will rightfully expect considerably more in 2000.

The 101-10 demolition of Tonga at Twickenham in October was perhaps an indicator of brighter times ahead.

And if Woodward can harness the explosive power of his forwards with the talents of a youthful back line, there will be little to stop England taking the title at the inaugural Six Nations Championship.