Ben's beliefs: England desperately needed free-flowing display in victory over Italy

England needed this performance, not only to keep their slim title hopes alive but also to engage their home supporters given how stifled the attack had looked at HQ in recent weeks.

During the narrow victory over Scotland last time out punters at Allianz Stadium were heard booing the never-ending Alex Mitchell box kicks but there was no such frustration today. Supporters were instead relieved that their side had the victory and the rarity of having the all-important bonus point secured early in the second half without the need for yet another nail biting finish.

It is of course an Italy side that England possess a faultless record against but Steve Borthwick will be pleased at how his men overcame the potential disruption of Ollie Lawrence's early injury to register an impressive seven-try triumph.

But the win was not without its faults. England's penalty count of 15 will be a concern and their discipline needs tightening, especially when interacting with referees. Ellis Genge fell foul of Andrew Brace's whistle and his skipper Maro Itoje was wise to usher his deputy away at the interval given Genge's vivid anger towards the man in charge.

England managed to turn on the style in a remarkable free-flowing purple patch in the opening quarter of the first half. However, it should be noted it was against an Italian side that is susceptible to leaking an abundance of tries in quick succession; in the 2023 World Cup, 16 vs New Zealand before conceding eight against France and now 18 in their last two Six Nations outings.

Cardiff looms and an outside shot at being crowned Europe's top team but Borthwick and his men know they are still a long way short in certain areas. However, the fact England go into the final round in contention on the final day shows progress under Borthwick with a possible four-win Six Nations a vast improvement on recent dismal tournament showings.