Kidney lost Simon Zebo for the rest of the tournament after the Munster wing broke his foot in the first half of the 12-6 defeat, while fly-half Jonny Sexton is expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks following a hamstring injury.

Ireland’s defeat – their first at home to England in the RBS 6 Nations for a decade – leaves Kidney’s side in fourth place as one of four sides on two points from their first two matches.

England remain the only side capable of the Grand Slam and lead the way on four points but while a clean sweep is now off the agenda for Ireland, Kidney remains convinced the Championship remains wide open.

“It looks like a couple of weeks for Jonny, but it would be wrong to try to second-guess the outcome. We'll know more by Tuesday," said Kidney.

“It has been an additional couple of games and we had a few injuries leading into the tournament, but that's the way it goes.

“The Grand Slam is a wonderful thing to win, but first and foremost you play for the championship and we're still well in for that.

“Sunday's result gives England a bit of daylight with the other five sides on two points each with three matches to play.

“What we have now are three more opportunities to get three wins. Let's get to eight points and see where we are at the end of it.”