1. 

   RYAN from BIRMINGHAM:

   Aug 31, 17:43

   Do you think England have what it takes to win the world cup?

   

   Mike Catt:

   As I've said before, Ryan, you have to go into every tournament believing you're going to win. Yes, we know it will be tough but if we play the way we know we can play, get to the quarters and into the tournament, anything is possible.
2. 

   Richard Burns from Hythe:

   Aug 24, 17:51

   Despite being the top club last season, why are there no Gloucester players in the squad-Allen, Simpson Daniel, Morgan, Hazell, Brown-to name but a few of those who are more than worthy of a place and in the starting 15!!

   

   Mike Catt:

   As you mentioned, Gloucester were brilliant last season but quite simply, Richard, a lot of the players you've mentioned have struggled with injury. There's a lot of talent there and I'm sure many will get their chance but it's a matter of timing, injuries, luck and selection policy.
3. 

   a.richo from burbage,leicestershi:

   Aug 24, 11:48

   Mike, why are we not picking younger players for this world cup too give them the feel of what its about? We surely have no chance of winning the world cup! So why pick older players who have lost their top form? Yes you can say they have done it before but look at the younger teams out there who have now gelled into world class sides. I don't think this is the coach to go forward with. Yours, a.richo best wishes Mike.

   

   Mike Catt:

   I actually think we have a really good blend of experience and youth, which can only be a good thing. We're fortunate to have a lot of leaders in the team like Ben Kay, Simon Shaw, Lawrence, Joe Worsely, Wilkinson, Josh Lewsey and myself. It's vital you have those leadership qualities in the team like in 2003 when Dallaglio, Dawson and Wilkinson ran the show and the rest of us got on with it. I expect it to be the same this time.
4. 

   Geoff Hurley from Reading:

   Aug 23, 11:34

   What are your thoughts on the final England squad 30 for France and do you think Brian has overlooked anyone?

   

   Mike Catt:

   I think Toby Flood will be very disappointed but unfortunately throughout training he wasn’t himself. He wasn’t relaxed and he wasn’t enjoying himself at all whereas Olly Barkley has come through the past eight weeks and been brilliant. Every training session he has been on top of his game and has knuckled down. Against France his composure and goal kicking really impressed. Andy Farrell’s been good in training but it’s all down to performance. Nick Abendanon was impressive in training and worked extremely hard and developed massively as a kicker so it’s a shame he isn’t here because he definitely has the X-factor.
5. 

   Fraser from Fulham:

   Aug 23, 11:31

   Do you think Brian Ashton knows his perfect starting 15?

   

   Mike Catt:

   I still think he's figuring out a few positions but now that he's picked his final 30, you more or less know that everybody can relax and get on with the job of winning the World Cup. What he's mentioned to myself and five other guys is that what he saw against France at Twickenham was very impressive and we've put a marker down for other players to step up to. He wants to give a few more guys another opportunity. He said it's not his best team yet but we'll see when we come up against the USA and South Africa.

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