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England head coach Stuart Lancaster admitted that there will be ‘selection debates’ when his side prepare to face Ireland next weekend.
Lancaster praised his side’s efforts but warned that next week’s Test will be a big step up for England.
“I’m really pleased with the scoreline,” Lancaster told The Telegraph. “I’d have taken that at the start of the day. We were a little loose on occasions but, overall, I’m pleased with the start.”
“People underestimate how much it takes to pull together a cohesive team,” he said. “Over the last 12 months we’ve had some ups and downs but we have learned as we have gone. The last two weeks have been invaluable in going over the lessons we learned in the autumn.”
“We felt prepared going into the game and while we are not satisfied with everything I thought our cohesion was excellent and it has given us a foundation to go into Dublin.”
“Ireland are an outstanding side,” Lancaster said. “They have quality players across the board so it is a big step up. We need to make sure we are ready mentally, physically and mentally and technically.”
Lancaster was particularly impressed with Gloucester centre Billy Twelvetrees who marked his debut with a try.
“It is a big step up for any player to make his debut, particularly at Twickenham,” Lancaster said. “We are delighted with the way he took it to get the try but his confidence and composure has been good all week. It shows he is ready to make the step.
“There are a few selection debates, to be honest. Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes did well when they came on. James Haskell was outstanding. Across the board and with Manu coming back into consideration, there will be some selection decisions to make.”
