Owen Farrell insists confidence remains high in the England camp as they prepare for a defining season, culminating in a home World Cup.
The 22-year-old fly-half was the second highest point scorer in this year’s RBS 6 Nations, scoring 64 points as England finished runners-up behind Ireland.
But he was limited to just one appearance on England’s summer tour of New Zealand – the 28-27 defeat in the second Test during which he damaged knee ligaments.
The Red Rose will have a chance to avenge their 3-0 series whitewash when they face the All Blacks in the autumn, as well as South Africa, Samoa and Australia.
And while the overall result of the tour was a disappointment, Farrell believes the squad had learnt a lot to stand them in good stead moving into a pivotal 14 months.
“It’s important to recognise that a lot of good things came out of the trip,” Farrell told the London Evening Standard.
“The first two Tests could have gone either way and there are areas where we know we have to work on. People have talked about game management and to me the key 20 minutes to look at was the start of the second half of the Second Test when they scored all their points and controlled the game.
“It’s about us being able to step up a gear and be that type of team while also being able to recognise when the opposition are trying to impose themselves and putting out that fire before it gets going. We are all aware of the 2015 World Cup but your focus has to be on the here and now.”
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