There may be less than two weeks to go until England’s pivotal World Cup clash with Wales at Twickenham, but former international Mark Cueto believes the Red Rose are already in the driving seat.

Stuart Lancaster’s side struck a hammer-blow with their 21-16 Six Nations victory on Wales’ turf earlier this year, with skipper Chris Robshaw setting the tone when his refusal to be left waiting outside in the cold by the Welsh resulted in a five minute standoff in the tunnel.

Indeed, momentum has shifted since Wales’ sensational 30-3 humbling of England at Twickenham to snatch away the 2013 Six Nations, with Lancaster’s side winning the last two meetings between the sides.

And Cueto, who himself ran out 55 times for England including the Rugby World Cup 2007 final, is confident the mental advantage earned at the Millennium Stadium could make the difference come September 26.

“I think England are in good shape,” said the 35-year-old, who retired from rugby in May after 15 years at Sale Sharks.

“Obviously they are in a very tough pool with Wales and Australia, but they beat Wales in the Six Nations opener in Cardiff, and they beat Australia at Twickenham in last year’s Autumn Internationals.

“So, while that isn’t the be all and end all, you’d much rather be going into this World Cup having beaten the two teams in your pool as opposed to having lost to them.

“It gives you a slight edge going into the game, and while you don’t want to write off the other two teams in your group, naturally they shouldn’t be as big of a challenge.

“It will come down to that game against Wales I think, and on paper you’d also rather have the squad that we do compared to theirs.

“So all-in-all England are in a decent position, and I don’t want to jinx them, but I never lost to Wales at Twickenham in my eight year international career.

“They don’t play well at all at Twickenham, so let’s hope that continues. Wales did pick up some form at the back end of the Six Nations, but I’m sure we have enough to beat them again with the home advantage.”

Cueto was speaking in Skipton, as the Rugby World Cup 2015 Trophy Tour reached the North Yorkshire Dales on Day 55.

Having played in two World Cups himself during his 55 appearances in an England shirt, Cueto understands the hype around the tournament and the iconic Webb Ellis Trophy.

And after taking on the rough Yorkshire terrain in the spectacular Land Rover World Cup 2015 Defender, specially commissioned for the continuous 100-day tour of the UK and Ireland, Cueto believes the chance for thousands of fans to see the trophy in the flesh will have a huge effect on grassroots rugby.

He added: “It was a great drive and the car looks absolutely fantastic. The way it displays the Webb Ellis Cup too is brilliant – it’s such a special trophy and when it’s in town it just attracts everybody.

“The Trophy Tour has been massive. The Webb Ellis Cup has been everywhere, and it’s so important for the grassroots side of the sport.

“To see it at local rugby clubs is fantastic for everybody, especially young players, and I’ve really enjoyed being the one to bring it here to Yorkshire. A whole range of people turned out to see it, and that just shows the excitement is already building for the Rugby World Cup 2015.”

Mark Cueto was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015. Land Rover is recruiting all 96 official mascots for the Tournament as part of its ‘We Deal In Real’ campaign. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal