England halfback Andy Gomarsall has been waiting a very long time to play such an important test match as this weekend’s RWC semifinal against France and he says his side will be fearless in its buildup.

Having debuted for his country way back in 1996, Gomarsall has managed just the 31 test matches since. During the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he was the third choice No 9 and even as recently as England’s tour of South Africa this year, he was still a surprise selection.

"I've been on the scrapheap and I'd be lying if I said that there weren't times when I doubted myself," Gomarsall says.

"Now, here I am, and I have to pinch myself. Whatever the lows, I always had this light burning inside to keep going for it. I always felt that there was unfinished business as far as England were concerned. I made a promise to myself at the 2003 World Cup that I'd be in the mix in 2007. The dream is still alive."

That dream sees Gomarsall in the England side to take on France in this weekend’s semifinal – a scenario many thought impossible following its poor recent form and horror 36-0 loss to the Springboks in pool play.

However, the halfback says that adversity has made for a stronger and confident English side.

"We don't fear anyone," Gomarsall says.

"It's been a roller-coaster ride and we're now on the up. We just want our performances to get better and better. The atmosphere on Saturday in Marseille was electric. That inspired me. I couldn't imagine how it could become even more heightened, but it will.

"Saturday night at the Stade de France will be pretty damn special. A couple of years ago that would have got to me. Not now. Not fearing the opposition, being in a cup-final situation for three weeks now has helped us mentally. We've turned it round. But last Saturday will mean nothing if we don't improve again.