England looked a much-improved team but ill-discipline cost them as two players were sin-binned and Wales took full advantage to claim a third straight win over their rivals.

“It was a good Test match, a tough Test match and you give England a lot of credit,” Gatland said.

“They came here and tried to play rugby and it made for a good Test match.

“Whenever you win there’s always a bit of relief. I thought the way we were defending in the last seven, eight minutes, I didn’t think England were going to score.

“I’m pretty proud that we’ve equalled the number of victories. I’m pretty impressed with the players in the dressing room. I think the team is developing nicely.”

Wales captain Ryan Jones credited the English with putting up a tough fight.

“They certainly did their homework,” he said.

“They were very physical. I’m just very proud. We talked about this team having a big heart and showing composure and that’s what we did.”

With Wales’ unbeaten run growing ever longer, they are odds-on favourites to win the tournament but Jones is trying to keep a lid on expectations.

“There are certain tags being placed on us from outside, but if you see us in the camp you know we just see ourselves as contenders like anybody else,” he said.

Shaun Edwards, Wales’ defence coach and Worsley’s boss at Wasps, felt the 70-cap flanker had played his best game for England.

“People said it was going to be a comfortable victory for Wales but as soon as I saw Joe Worsley’s name on the team-sheet I knew that would be a million miles from the truth,” said Edwards.

“There is no better big-game player than Joe Worsley. I have seen him in Heineken Cup finals and Guinness Premiership finals.

“Finally you saw Joe Worsley at his best with an England shirt on. He has played for England lots of times and he has not been the Joe I know but today I thought he was immense.

“England showed why they are the most successful team in the World Cup this century. When their backs are to the wall they rise to the challenge.

“But I think for long periods today we were comfortable. In the first 20 minutes we were very dynamic and very explosive and in the last 10 minutes we were in control.”