Ben Morgan will have to be content with a spot on the bench against Italy © Getty Images

Travelling to a sold-out Stadio Olimpico for a tough encounter against an improving Italian side is the next challenge for Stuart Lancaster’s England side and the interim boss has selected the same 15 gladiators to start in Rome as they did at Murrayfield last weekend. It is the first time England have named an unchanged side in nearly two years and only the eighth time in Six Nations history.

Before the game against Scotland, Lancaster highlighted the importance of not making rash decisions and for the side to get some consistency. Therefore it comes as no shock that the boss is willing to reflect those principals in his team selection; he has even named the same replacements’ bench as he did in Edinburgh.

Phil Dowson, who had a quite but effective game last weekend, keeps his place despite coming under pressure from the impressive youngster Ben Morgan who made a real impact after coming off the bench in the opening game. Scrum-half Lee Dickson has also managed to make the replacements’ bench despite suffering a hand injury in the win at Murrayfield and should continue to pressurise Ben Youngs for the number 9 jersey.

Lancaster’s belief that formerly-injured players shouldn’t just walk back into the team is coming to fruition as the fit-again Toby Flood is being asked to play for his club side Leicester Tigers and prove that he deserves a place in the international side. Charlie Hodgson will continue to wear the number 10 shirt in Rome after a good performance against Scotland, a game in which he scored the only try.

Overall, this selection is a hugely positive one for English rugby as it shows the belief and confidence that Lancaster has in his side to get the job done. Before the win last week, all they had to show for their efforts were a few sagely-chosen words and some impressive PR but now with a result to back up their talk, this England side could go from strength to strength throughout this tournament.

All players love continuity and most of the partnerships in the England side are just beginning to blossom. If they show that consistency that Lancaster craves then another victory away from home could be on the cards.

England team to face Scotland: Ben Foden; Chris Ashton; Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, David Strettle; Charlie Hodgson; Ben Youngs; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole; Mouritz Botha, Tom Palmer; Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw (captain), Phil Dowson

Ashley Lambell @ntfcash