Lewsey wary of tour

By Matt Majendie
BBC Sport in Paris

Report: France 24-21 England Dallaglio on the defensive

England's Josh Lewsey has warned that the world champions must raise their game significantly to compete on their southern hemisphere tour.

Sir Clive Woodward's side travel to Australia and New Zealand in June as part of a three-Test tour.

But in the wake of a poor Six Nations, Lewsey said: "We must take the losses on board and raise our game by at least 50% to even come close to a win.

"At the moment, we're just not good enough to beat those sides."

England have failed to live up to their billing as world champions in recent Tests, losing to both Ireland and France and being run ragged by Wales.

Despite coming within three points of beating the French in a thrilling finale, Lewsey argued the game was already over at half-time.

"Going in at the break 21-3 down against a world-class side like France, you're never realistically going to win," said Lewsey.

We won the World Cup by beating up other teams Josh Lewsey

"We did pick up our game and came close but France thoroughly deserved their win and the Grand Slam. They were the best team at the tournament."

The Wasps back is clear where the difference was between the two sides.

"We tended to play too much rugby in our own half," he said.

"France were mainly responsible for that as they unleashed such an impressive kicking game.

"On top of that, they were superb at turning the ball over.

"But from a positive perspective I thought we showed great spirit and tremendous fitness in the second half, which is something we've been criticised for in the past."

Lewsey admitted changes now need to be made for the English to raise their game to the next level.

He said: "We won the World Cup but didn't exactly play. We did it by beating other teams up.

"France manager Jo Maso said this week England are a 'war machine' and he's right.

"That has to change and we showed that in the second half against the French, playing with far greater width and creativity."