Hooker Jamie George feels display in defeat to Ireland is benchmark for England

Jamie George is taking the positives from England’s defeat to Ireland (Simon Marper/PA)

Jamie George insists England have laid the foundation for their 2023 World Cup bid after falling to a spirited 32-15 Guinness Six Nations defeat by Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

England were removed from title contention after being toppled by Andy Farrell’s men in a classic Test that was only decided in the closing stages, despite playing with 14 men for all but the opening 82 seconds after Charlie Ewels was sent off for a dangerous tackle.