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The 2003 winners’ failure to advance beyond the group stage for the first time left a “sense of deep disappointment”, Ritchie said.

World Cup hosts England face Uruguay in Manchester on Saturday in their final Pool A fixture, but are already condemned to an early exit.

England’s last Pool A game against Uruguay in Manchester next weekend has turned into an encore, and for all intents and purposes the host has been kicked out of its own party, the biggest and potentially best Rugby World Cup.

All that remains for England is to contest a dead rubber against Uruguay, amid what appears sure to be a flat atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium next weekend.

The tournament hosts can not reach the last eight from Pool A after Australia applied the killer blow with Saturday’s 33-13 win at Twickenham, a week after Wales had drawn first blood with their momentous victory over England.

Lancaster has a contract until 2020, but when he was asked whether he would now be considering his position he replied: “Yeah, obviously I think I’ve got to”.

Cheika, meanwhile, said he was preparing for a meeting with “Master” Gatland.

“Wales top the pool with 13 points, but if England beat Australia at Twickenham tomorrow and then secure the bonus point against Uruguay a week later the hosts will proceed as winners on 15 points”.

World Cup oblivion awaits if England lose for a second time in a fiercely competitive Pool A to become the first host nation to exit the tournament at the group stage, a fate made possible by the 28-25 loss to Wales.

Former England coach Clive Woodward has warned the current crop of players that they must quickly get over their Rugby World Cup jitters if they are to go far in the competition.

Two weeks into the tournament the French players are none the wiser when it comes to what coach Philippe Saint-Andre considers his best side.

Australia warmed up for their eagerly-anticipated crunch match against England with a 65-3 demolition of Uruguay at Villa Park.

The Wallabies will feel the heat of the biggest match of the World Cup so far after arriving in London to start their preparation for the “pool of death” contest.

Sky Sports’ Will Greenwood says the balance of the England team is off, but consistency in selection is key against Australia… His two-try performance made him Australia’s leading World Cup try scorer and equal second overall. Scott Williams, Liam Williams and...

England now likely has to beat Australia next Saturday, back at Twickenham, to avoid elimination from the toughest ever pool at a World Cup.