1987 Rob Andrew is tackled by Jonathan Davies and Ieuan Evans of Wales during England's quarter final defeat (Getty Images) The first tournament, something of an experiment, took place in New Zealand and Australia. England had a guaranteed spot thanks to their membership of the International Rugby Football Board, but opened the tournament with a disappointing 19-6 loss to the Aussies. They flattened the USA and Japan to qualify second in the group - but were then overwhelmed by the Welsh, losing 16-3 in the quarter-finals.

1991 The England front row during their pool win over Italy (Colorsport/Rex Shutterstock) Second time around and the English were joint host nations. In a tournament full of upsets, including Wales's shock defeat by Western Samoa and Canada's conquering of Fiji, England came through relatively unscathed, suffering defeat by New Zealand in their first game but seeing off Scotland, Italy and the USA to reach the final against Australia. A single converted try, scored by Tony Daly and converted by Michael Lynagh, put paid to their hopes of lifting the trophy.

1995 Rory Underwood runs with the ball during England's defeat by New Zealand (Dave Rogers/Allsport) The tournament that marked a moment in history for South Africa started well for the English, who finished top of their group and then avenged the 1991 final by beating the Aussies 25-22 in the quarter finals, their first win against Australia outside the northern hemisphere. Unfortunately the winning streak stopped there, as they were subjected to a drubbing by legendary winger Jonah Lomu and an outstanding New Zealand side who were only narrowly defeated in a poignant final by the Springboks.

1999 Jeremy Guscott is subject to an interesting tackle from New Zealand's Jeff Wilson (AP) The English started another (sort of) home tournament - which was being played in venues across the Home Nations - with two massive victories against Italy and Tonga and a defeat at the hands of New Zealand. They beat Fiji in the quarter final playoffs but never looked entirely comfortable during a very physical game and went on to falter in the quarter final, losing 44-21 to eventual third-placed South Africa.

2003 The England team celebrate with the Webb Ellis trophy after beating Australia in the 2003 World Cup final (PA) The 2003 tournament should need no introduction for any England fan. Jonny Wilkinson kicked 113 points, the highest of any player in the tournament. With the help of Jonny's magic left foot England beat France, Wales and South Africa on their way to the final, but it was his right foot that sent over a drop goal in the dying minutes of the match against Australia, giving England their first ever World Cup win.

2007 Lewis Moody dives for the ball during the 2007 final against South Africa (Getty) Another successful tournament for England, even if they didn't manage to scale the dizzying heights of 2003. An early embarrassing 36-0 defeat to South Africa marked the first time a past champion had failed to score in a world cup match, but the defending champions picked it up, qualifying second in the group and beating Australia and France to meet the Springboks again in the final. This time they managed to get points on the board - but not enough to win, losing 15-6 in a kick-heavy match.