Eddie Jones has been fired as the manager of England, according to the Rugby Football Union.

After taking the job in 2015, the Australian managed England for seven years before receiving word from the RFU on Tuesday morning that he had been fired. 

The RFU revealed that England’s forwards coach Richard Cockerill will serve as interim head coach in a statement announcing his dismissal.

“It’s important to recognise the huge contribution Eddie has made to English rugby, winning three Six Nations, one Grand Slam and taking us to a World Cup final,” chief executive Bill Sweeney said.

“He has the highest win ratio of any England head coach and has helped develop the leadership skills of many players and coaches.

“I’m grateful to Eddie for all he has done for England across many areas of the game and the professional way in which he has approached reviewing the performance of the team.

“He has provided the panel with astute insight and meaningful lessons that will support the team performance going forward.”

While leading England to Six Nations championships in 2016, 2017, and 2020 and advancing to the 2019 World Cup final, where his team lost to South Africa, Jones experienced great early success. 

The 62-year-old won England’s first Grand Slam since 2003 in 2016, and after 18 straight wins, his first loss did not occur until 2017.

However, Jones’ dismissal follows a disappointing 2022 for England, which saw the team suffer six losses, a draw, and five victories, culminating in a crushing defeat to South Africa on November 26.

The RFU has decided to take action after reviewing the disappointing Autumn Nations Series. Jones’ contract was set to expire after the 2023 World Cup.

The RFU must appoint a replacement immediately because the tournament in France is only nine months away.

Warren Gatland, a New Zealander who had been linked to the position, decided to stay on as Wales’ head coach on Monday after Wayne Pivac left that position.

The clear favourite to succeed Jones is Steve Borthwick, who led England during a 57-cap career.

Since being named Leicester’s manager in 2020, he has presided over a startling turnaround in the Tigers’ fortunes, which was highlighted by their Premiership title win in the previous campaign.

Gareth Southgate has said France poses the hardest challenge England might face at the World Cup after his team set up a quarter-final date with the world champions on Saturday.

England thrashed Senegal 3-0 in the last 16 on Sunday to reach the last eight for the second straight World Cup, with Didier Deschamps' team standing in the way of a semi-final spot after they saw out Poland 3-1 earlier in the day.

Southgate's team has only defeated France once in seven encounters since the turn of the century, while the manager lost his sole clash with Les Bleus - a 3-2 setback in June 2017.

Deschamps' side lifted the trophy in Russia in 2018 and ahead of the meeting at the Al Bayt Stadium, Southgate said: "In terms of France, it's the biggest test we could face.

"They're world champions with an incredible depth of talent and outstanding individual players. They're very difficult to play against and score goals against, so it's a fantastic challenge and a brilliant game to prepare for."

Gareth Southgate on whether Raheem Sterling will return for England's quarter-final against France: "I really don't know, it's a situation he needs time to deal with, I don't want to put any pressure on him"

Raheem Sterling is returning to the United Kingdom from England's World Cup training after armed invaders stormed into his family's house.

Sterling was pulled out of England's 3-0 triumph against Senegal in the last 16 due to a "family problem" soon before kickoff, despite having started two of the Three Lions' three games at the World Cup thus far.

Sterling, who was shocked and anxious for the safety of his children, is said to have wished to return home as soon as he was informed of the break-in.

Surrey Police released a statement on Monday saying: "Police were contacted just before 9pm on Saturday December 3 after the occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items including jewellery and watches had been stolen.

"No threat of violence was involved as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively."

Manager Gareth Southgate confirmed Sterling is returning to the United Kingdom, but it is believed the player may return to Qatar if the circumstances are favorable.