Stuart Lancaster insists the Six Nations campaign proves England now possess the strength in depth to win the World Cup after they turned Twickenham back into a fortress. Lancaster’s squad won four matches out of five despite missing Lions stars Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell plus No 8 Ben Morgan for the entire campaign. With the likes of George Ford, Jonathan Joseph, George Kruis and Anthony Watson now blooded on the international stage, Lancaster believes England will enter the World Cup in six months’ time in rude health. Stuart Lancaster believes England's Six Nations exploits proved they have the squad to win the World Cup . England fell six points short of winning the Six Nations title despite a 55-35 win over France . ‘There has always been a huge sense of belief that we are going in the right direction,’ he said. ‘The challenges we faced with the injury situation leading into the Wales game didn’t dent that belief. From what I see in training we have a tight, connected group who are improving all the time. ‘Clearly we are still a bit young, light on experience, particularly in the back line. ‘That will improve with the likes of Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell and Manu being available, all of whom will be playing in the next few weeks we hope.’ England have beaten World Cup pool rivals Australia and Wales convincingly and with 82,000 fans producing another pulsating atmosphere at Twickenham on Saturday, Lancaster says belief will be sky-high when the tournament kicks off on September 18. Asked if England can win the World Cup, Lancaster was unequivocal. George Ford has impressed for England throughout their Six Nations campaign at fly half . England's Jonathan Joseph is challenged by France's Remi Tales during the match at Twickenham . ‘Yes, definitely,’ he said. ‘We’ve beaten Australia, we’ve beaten Wales, we’ve put 55 points on France. ‘New Zealand we’ve beaten before and pushed them close in the summer series. So, absolutely. ‘You saw the influence the crowd had on the players today. Playing at home is a huge factor as well.’ Lancaster now has four runners-up finishes in four Six Nations campaigns but has no fear his players will be psychologically damaged by another near miss. ‘The players’ mindset is to use it more as a motivation to make sure you don’t feel that pain again. The pain is deep. It does not create a scar.’ England were without the injured Manu Tuilagi for the entire of the Six Nations Championship . England captain Chris Robshaw echoed Lancaster's thoughts that they can be contenders for the World Cup . Barring injury, Chris Robshaw will captain England into the World Cup and he backed his coach’s assessment of their development. ‘We can be contenders,’ he said. ‘We are playing very well at home and have built a lot of momentum. And if you look at where all the games are, they are back here. ‘Look at the crowd, I think it was the loudest I have ever heard, including the two Six Nations games and when we beat New Zealand here — the place was rocking. ‘And that is what we want. We want it to be that type of environment and a crowd coming expecting something.’
Stuart Lancaster optimistic of England's World Cup chances . England fell six points shy of winning Six Nations title . Lancaster encouraged by his team's performance in the competition . Chris Robshaw also believes England will be World Cup contenders .