NHS Blood and Transplant believe that blood donors are the nation’s heartbeat, the heroes who save lives and transform others for the better, and that’s why, after England’s exit earlier this month, they’re hoping you can be part of the next generation of people who will Bleed For England.

New blood donors are hugely important. In the time it takes to host a major international rugby tournament, 100,000 new donors need to be recruited to ensure a safe supply to hospitals so could you take inspiration from the rugby and substitute someone in.

We don’t expect you to go and work in a Hilton hotel, like James Haskell did, or in Boots, like Dan Cole, to give someone the opportunity to go and donate, but there’s almost certainly a way in which you could help.

Maybe you could watch your neighbour’s kids, or walk the dog for a friend one evening. Anything you can think of to give another busy person the opportunity to become a donor and join you in the team that really supports England.

Whatever you do, you can rest assured that your support always makes a difference - giving blood saves lives!