Win over Aussies leaves England primed for Cup

England coach Stuart Lancaster can enjoy Christmas knowing his side is growing in confidence and depth ahead of next year's World Cup and, though there are issues to address, it should be a formidable force on home soil.

Defeats by New Zealand and South Africa at the start of November made it five losses in a row, and last week's win over Samoa did little to placate the doomsayers.

But in arguably the most important match of the series against Australia, which it meets in the World Cup pool stage, England secured a win earned with confidence and tactical acumen that will send it into the Six Nations on a high.