And it was another solid performance from 31-year-old Palmer who has impressed in this Six Nations campaign for Martin Johnson’s side.

Palmer admitted the changes in the second 40 were the difference after the sides went into the break level at 9-9, also believing the Red Rose are one step closer to the ultimate prize after seeing off their nearest challengers.

“It was a real challenge but we played pretty well at times,” he said.

“We've got a huge amount of belief in the team, had a great week's training, so we came out and put some of that into play.

“In the second half we raised our game, because we didn't really perform in the first half, but in the second half we cut out some of those mistakes, although we still could have been a bit more clinical at times.

“One more game and maybe we can start talking about the Grand Slam.”