The thrilling 21-20 win in Sydney’s Olympic Stadium was only England’s third Test victory over the Wallabies in their back yard and was made even sweeter following a disappointing performance against them in the first Test in Perth.

But with Jonny Wilkinson again breaking Aussie hearts by kicking the decisive points, veteran Thompson is confident the team will go from strength to strength as they work towards the 2011 World Cup, especially considering the young talent coming through the ranks.

“This win is massive,” said Thompson. “It gives us belief, it shows that we can come away and win against some of the big teams.

“You can only go on so long saying we should've got that right or we're going to improve here, before you actually get a win.

“We are now going the way we want to go. We've got the win to get us started and now it's about moving on from here.

“There is a group that can show we have the chance of winning big games. Youngsy scored a tremendous try and Lawes was everywhere all over the pitch.

“They brought that little bit extra and Ben especially showed on the world stage what a top player he is.

“He's only a young lad and showed such maturity on the field, bossed the other lads around and ran the game. He's a frightening prospect really.”