Despite boasting the largest playing and financial resources in the world, England’s last Six Nations triumph came under Sir Clive Woodward in 2003.

And Easter – who missed a disappointing autumn international series with injury – maintains the squad are determined to put that statistic right.

He said: “We have been second in the last two years and I have not been happy with that and neither has anyone else.

“The supporters deserve it – 2003 is a long time ago. They came out for the Autumn Internationals and I went to all three games, the support was fantastic.

“We owe it to them but also to ourselves. I think we will be in good fettle come the Six Nations but nothing less than winning it is good enough.

“We have come second in the last two years but not many people will remember that but if you look at the tables its true but that is not satisfactory.

“It is extremely important we start winning consistently ahead of the 2011 World Cup because bar 1995 every side that’s won it has been one of the best sides if not the best side in the world.”