Ashton promises England step-up

BRIAN ASHTON believes England will need to step up “two or three gears” when they face arguably the biggest challenge of their entire RBS 6 Nations campaign on Saturday.

England, unbeaten following contrasting victories over Scotland and Italy, head to Croke Park in Dublin for an appointment with pre-tournament favourites Ireland.

England have not beaten Ireland since eight months before they won the 2003 World Cup, and they will travel as underdogs.