The Azzurri frustrated the world champions for long periods and, despite being without a recognised hooker for much of the second half, recorded one of their narrowest defeats on English soil since joining the Six Nations.

The first 20 minutes we played very well - we pressed quite a lot and did not concede much,'' Kirwan said.

They came back strongly and scored a few tries but overall I think my players did their job.

In the second half we started well and we scored with (Alessandro) Troncons try.

We missed some chances and came close to scoring another try but England defended very well and in the end they finished the game off well - but I dont think we played badly at all.

I am very pleased with Gert Peens who kicked quite well and we were unlucky to lose some players through injury.

Now we have to prepare for our game with the French who I am told played well and deserved to beat Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

Skipper Marco Bortolami said: We lost a lot of one-to-one battles and individually they were stronger and cleverer but when we played as a unit we were not bad and our overall show was positive.

We have to keep playing like that and hope we can play well at the Flaminio against the French.

The English are a good team and we can be pleased even if the score was a little harsh on us.