Lancaster led England out of their post-World Cup mire by guiding his new-look side to second in the RBS 6 Nations thanks to victories in Edinburgh, Murrayfield and Paris as well as his first Twickenham win over Ireland.

Croft started all five matches of the Championship, scoring a fine try in the win over France before claiming he was in the international form of his life and nearing his 2009 British and Irish Lions form.

And the 26-year-old admits his and England’s resurgence is all down to Lancaster.

"It is great news. He really shaped that England side into the way it was performing during the [Six Nations] tournament,” said Croft.

"He did a great job so he is the ideal man to keep in the role. I look forward to working with him again in the summer if I am selected.

"The Six Nations was a thoroughly enjoyable time to wear that England shirt. I was surrounded by guys who just wanted to work for each other and do that shirt proud."