SAMOAN legend Junior Paramore has backed under-fire England to reach the World Cup quarter-finals ahead of his home nation.

Former Gloucester back row Paramore, now forwards coach of Bournemouth Lions, played in three World Cups for Manu Samoa, racking up 26 appearances and six tries for his country between 1991 and 1999.

And, speaking ahead of today's make-or-break clash at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes (3pm), Paramore believes England's forwards hold the key to Brian Ashton's side overcoming a Samoan side still smarting from defeat against Tonga on Sunday.

Paramore said: "It's do or die for the Samoans because they didn't front up against Tonga.

"I think England have the pack to compete, but there's not been much idea at the back. But Jonny (Wilkinson) and Olly Barkley will bring something different and I think England will beat Samoa. I think they will reach the quarter-finals."

Wilkinson and Barkley return to Brian Ashton's side for today's clash - with both sides needing a victory to maintain their hopes of progressing to the knock-out stages. And Paramore feels Samoa's young stars may lack the experience required to mount a serious challenge against the world champions.

He added: "Most of the Samoan boys are youngsters, but you still have Semo Sititi, Brian Lima and Steven So'oialo who have been around a long time. Players like Daniel Leo are playing in the Guinness Premiership, but they are still learning from the old heads that are there."

Ashton makes several changes to the side that crashed to defeat against South Africa last week.

As well as Barkley (inside centre) and Wilkinson, George Chuter replaces Mark Regan at hooker, while Mathew Tait (outside centre), Joe Worsley (openside flanker) and Mark Cueto (wing) all start. Josh Lewsey moves to fullback in place of the injured Jason Robinson.

Samoa, meanwhile, will rue the loss of influential back Gavin Williams. He has scored all of Samoa's 22 points in the competition so far, but misses out with a fractured finger.