Armitage made an electric Test debut against the Pacific Islanders and was then an assured presence at full-back despite England’s struggles against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

“What have I have learned? That I can compete at the top level whereas I had doubts before,” he said.

Armitage could not eat before his Test debut because of nerves but he grew into the role of international full-back well as the month drew on.

He was solid under the high ball, often at the heart of England’s best attacking moments and if his kicking from hands needs work, it is nothing Armitage is not prepared for.

“I am happy Martin Johnson and Brian Smith gave me a chance to put on an England shirt - and I want to be the England number 15 for some time,” said Armitage.

“They told me to go out and play the way that got me into the team in the first place and that is what I tried to do.

“But for me, getting there is not enough. I want to progress my game and get better and better.

“Now we have this break before the Six Nations I can go back to the club and work on all the things I need to in order to achieve that.

“We want to go into the Six Nations to win it. We want to be a force at Twickenham.”