3 Things England Have Learned From The 6 Nations

1) England's pack is world class - even with injuries

The strength in depth in the English pack can rival anyone. England’s pack has had a lot of injury troubles over the last few years, and although this is never good to see, it has given a lot of players the chance to lay down a marker and gain some vital experience. With a lot of players having come back from injury (Parling, Wood), and some hoping to make a return before the World Cup (Launchbury, Morgan), it is clear that England have a world class pack, and crucially, a world class set piece heading into this years World Cup. The injury to Morgan allowed Billy Vunipola to lay down a marker, and put in his best performances in an England shirt. Whilst players such as Attwood and Haskell didn't impress as much as many had hoped, failing to bring their club form to the international stage, players like Cole (who would not have been rushed in to the side without injuries), Kruis, Parling and Billy V showed the strength in depth in this pack. It would be a crime not to mention that the strength of this pack is largely down to the exceptional coaching by Graham Rowntree, who has been consistently seen to demand more from his players.

2) Jonathan Joseph owns the 13 jersey

A large topic of debate with regards to England has been what the correct centre partnership should be. Pre Six Nations there seemed a desperate need to get Tuilagi back in at outside center. However, following a stellar campaign from Jonathon Joseph the young 13 must have surely nailed his name down on the shirt. This leaves the 12 shirt up for grabs, fitness permitting, it has to be down to, Manu Tuilagi, Kyle Eastmond, and Henry Slade. Tuilagi seems an obvious choice to play at 12, with his destructive ball carrying, experience, and larger than life presence on the field. However, Eastmond and Slade both offer far more in terms of distribution and a kicking game. Many people have been calling for a Slade call up following his club form, but for me, I would love the chance to see what the Bath back line could do on the international stage.

3) Ford is in for the long haul

Finally, its now clear that Ford is the man to hold England’s 10 shirt.  Ford's decision making when taking the ball to the line is up there with the best, and seems to know when to kick and when to have a crack. The young 10 was at the centre of everything good England did in attack this year, pulling the strings, and constantly putting players through gaps. The only criticism of his game is his goal kicking, but he is a driven player who will undoubtedly improve in this area with time. His performance against France was exceptional, and he seems to be getting better with every performance in white, and it is clear that it would be criminal for England to go back to Farrell now.