England star laughs off Eddie's critics

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: England hooker Jamie George has sung the praises of coach Eddie Jones, saying the veteran mentor has filled his players with such confidence they can now simply laugh off external criticism.

Jones enters the three-Test series against the Wallabies as a man under pressure following a string of recent poor results for England.

A disastrous tour of Australia could prove to be the end for Jones.

But the 62-year-old is taking it all in his stride, so much so that some England players don’t even know the pressure Jones is under.

“It is probably a sign of the coach Eddie is that he doesn’t put that on us at all,” George said when asked about the intense heat on Jones.

“I was almost weirdly surprised about you saying that. He takes it all on himself.

“He is the kind of coach that when you are winning he allows the players to go and enjoy that moment, and when you are losing he takes it all on himself.

“He is driving us in the same respect he always has done. He is preparing us in the way he always has done. That is the sign of a great coach.”

Jones enjoys a perfect 8-0 record against the Wallabies while coach of England.

Having that sort of edge over Australia is a massive boost to England’s confidence heading into the first Test at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.

George spoke glowingly about the direct influence Jones has had on the confidence level of each player under his watch.

“You walk taller knowing that whenever anyone questions you, you can almost laugh it off because we know when the time comes we’ll be right,” George said.

“This Test he has prepared us incredibly well, we’re all incredibly excited to be here.

“It gives you huge confidence and that comes from knowing that all the hard work is to come and we’ll be ready for it when the time comes.”

England swept the Wallabies 3-0 during their last tour of Australia in 2016 and a repeat result would instantly ease the pressure on Jones.