Two penalties from the boot of Tom Allan, who plays his club rugby in South Africa with Western Province, were the best Lineen’s side could muster.

England meanwhile had a penalty try in the first half and a Luke Cowan-Dickie score in the second to seal victory but Lineen, formerly in charge at Glasgow Warriors, was impressed by the effort his side had displayed moving forward.

“I’m massively proud of the boys, the way they played for each other and the fight they were willing to show throughout that match,” said Lineen, whose side will entertain Italy this weekend.

“One of the positive things is that we know where we can improve and we know we had a chance to win that match.

“We focus now on Italy and the challenge they’ll present at Netherdale next week but I think we’ve seen hugely encouraging signs from this group of players.”