England scrum-half Matt Dawson says the autumn internationals must be used as a springboard for the 2007 World Cup. Dawson believes the Twickenham Tests against the Australians, on Saturday, and New Zealand on 19 November, are vital to England's preparations.
"This autumn we have to lay down a marker so the rest of the world remembers what English rugby is all about," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
"We have to develop very, very quickly because we only have 18 months."
England start their season against Australia hoping to put behind them the disappointing two years since winning the World Cup.
Shorn of the stars of that World Cup campaign, England have struggled and last season they came fourth in the Six Nations after winning just two games.
The pressure is now on coach Andy Robinson and the squad to deliver but Dawson believes the current set of players have the ability to take on the world in France in 2007.
 |  At the moment, I don't think its too out of order for me to say that we wouldn't be winning the World Cup |
"The team that won that World Cup did not play the most attractive rugby in the tournament but it was machine-like," he added.
"Those players were world champions without a shadow of a doubt. You are never really going to get those types of players again.
"But if we truly give it absolutely everything in the way we are going to play and hold nothing back then we will be in with a shout.
"There is no question about it because if you look at the potential team who could play in the World Cup it is pretty hot.
"There is so much power and pace that its quite frightening."
The team for the opening match against Australia contains just six of the players that won the World Cup as Robinson looks to inject fresh life into his side.
And Dawson believes the key for England is to throw off the shackles and express themselves against Australia and New Zealand.
"It's whether in these England games people get into their shells and become a bit stifled," he said.
"Or throw caution to the wind and risk selection, injury, form and fitness by just throwing everything at it so that England can possibly go to France with a chance of retaining it.
"At the moment, I don't think its too out of order for me to say that we wouldn't be winning the World Cup, so we have got a lot of work to do in the next 18 months, that's for sure.
"Four years ago every country was thinking 'we don't want to play against England'. Everyone was interested in English rugby and we need to get that level back.
"There is no better arena on the world stage than playing Australia and New Zealand.
"If we perform in those games then don't underestimate what effect that has going into the Six Nations."
MMIX
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