Every England fan will tell you that the team’s performance against Wales on Saturday was much closer to the type of display they should be making. They may have lost the match, but Martin Johnson’s side were much better than they were against Italy in the Six Nations opener.

The game in Cardiff was a thrilling encounter from start to finish and England played their part with a very courageous display. They scored two tries compared to Wales’ one and on another day they could have come away with the victory.

Considering the fact that they were massive underdogs, this has to be taken as a positive. England were competitive and showed massive signs of improvement. Joe Worsley’s outstanding performance has to be mentioned as well. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing side, but that’s the way it is.

The improvement in performance will mean nothing though if England don’t use this as a platform to build on. They must go into the Ireland game with the same mentality and this time get something besides a performance – a result.

One man who believes that his team are on the road to recovery is Paul Sackey. The England winger – who scored his 11th international try in Cardiff – says that England are on ‘the right track’ and that soon enough they will be ‘there or there abouts.’

Despite the improvement in performance though, England were still much criticised for their disciplinary record. Both Mike Tindall and Andy Goode were sin-binned in the Wales game and Sackey admits that it made a ‘huge impact’ on proceedings.

Overall, Sackey thinks that England can’t keep going down to 14-men if they want to be successful. Games against Wales are ‘hard enough with 15 men’ according to the Wasps man.

Next up for Sackey and England, as we all know, is a trip to Ireland in two week’s time. As far as any betting tips go, well there is no doubt that Ireland are overwhelming favourites. However, England shouldn’t be ruled out at this stage.

If they can combine their performance in Wales with being able to keep a full team on the field, then they have a chance. Personally, I back them to win by 5 points. Not many people will fancy this, but it is about time England’s Rugby Union team surprised everyone!

By Thomas Rooney – A sports writer for Betfair – check them out for the latest on Cheltenham Betting

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