by Our Sports Desk

BATH BOSS Mike Ford said yesterday that he expects Sam Burgess to make England’s World Cup squad — and see the host nation reach the final at Twickenham on October 31.

Ford believes that Burgess will successfully make the giant step from Australia’s National Rugby League to England World Cup squad member, despite the Yorkshireman only making his union debut 227 days ago.

And Ford has backed England to book a World Cup final appointment — “probably taking on the All Blacks” — by capitalising on home advantage that would see them play six of seven games at Twickenham if they reach the final.

Burgess and the rest of a 45-man England training squad have now decamped to the US for intense pretournament training, with the countdown continuing towards head coach Stuart Lancaster’s final World Cup squad announcement late next month.

England will play home and away warm-up games against France before Lancaster confirms his 31-player group for the tournament, and Ford expects ex-rugby league star Burgess to make the cut.

“Sam might be one of those decisions that Stuart has not quite made his mind up,” Ford said.

“But the rugby side of things will start now with England away in Denver, and the preparation in terms of the style they want to play.

“Hopefully, Sam will get a crack in the warm-up games. He was outstanding in the Premiership final [in May]. I expect him to get in, if he gets a shot in the warm-up games, which I expect him to do.”