Ferris, 26, has never been on the losing side against the Red Rose in a Championship match and says his motivation to continue that record stems largely from unsuccessful encounters in junior age categories.

"We took so many beatings from England at under-age level,” said Ferris.

“Any time we played Under-18s, -19s or -20s we always received a thumping. I never beat them.

“If you ask any team who do they like beating and it's always the English.

“Why? It's something I can't really put my finger on.

"I went on the Lions tour and got to know a few of England's players.

“I got on so well with them and had an awful lot of respect for them. I became good friends with some of them.

"England are a good side at the moment and are very hard to break down. Saturday will be two good teams going against each other, but we're also looking forward to getting that result."