'It’s one of those things where you don’t make it bigger than it already is'

England are determined to avoid being overcome by the occasion when they clash with Scotland in Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final.

The Red Roses are red hot favourites to register a 31st successive Test victory with the winners at Ashton Gate going on to face France or Ireland in the all-Six Nations half of the knockout phase.

Anything other than lifting the World Cup on September 27 would be seen as failure, but forwards coach Louis Deacon insists England are approaching each obstacle as just another day in the office.

“It’s one of those things where you don’t make it bigger than it already is. You want it to feel normal to the players, which is exactly what we’ve done,” Deacon said.

“We’re focusing on our process. It’s a normal week and we’re not adding anything extra that we don’t need to.

“Knockout rugby is a different competition. You have to earn the right, you have to earn another week. Scotland will l be looking forward to it as much as we are.”

England have been lifted by Zoe Aldcroft’s return to training after their skipper missed the Pool A victories over Samoa and Australia with a knee injury.

Aldcroft is expected to be restored to the back row when head coach John Mitchell names his team on Friday.

“Zoe is somebody who everyone respects. She drives a hard standard in training, leads by example and everyone follows, so our training standards have gone through the roof so far this week,” Deacon said.

World player of the year Ellie Kildunne is observing a 12-day stand down period because of concussion symptoms so Emma Sing or Helena Rowland will start at full-back.