Berrick Barnes kicked a drop goal in Australia's victory over Fiji

England must first win their last Pool A game against Tonga on Friday but Connolly believes the defending champions will advance.

"I think England will get away with it," he said.

"They'll win 90% of their lineouts, their scrum is good and Jonny Wilkinson will get them around the field."

Connolly added: "They've got a lot of pace out wide so they're a team that will provide any side with some threats.

"When you spend a bit of time in England you know what they're capable of. They're dangerous, there's a lot of pace out there."

Australia had already provided a clue that they were working on a game plan to face England when fly-half Berrick Barnes slotted over a drop goal in Sunday's 55-12 win over Fiji when they already had the game sewn up.

Connolly said Wilkinson's return to the England side meant that drop goals were likely if they meet in the quarter-finals, so he instructed Barnes to have a practice shot against Fiji.

"All teams are paying attention to it," he admitted. "They've played a role in the past and I think with Wilkinson there obviously they play a big part with England."

England have twice beaten Australia in the World Cup with last-minute drop goals.