Following that win over Ireland, a first away victory in the competition since Sir Clive Woodward’s side completed the Grand Slam, England are the hot favourites to lift the RBS 6 Nations trophy after last year’s second-place finish.

In turn, optimism over the 2015 World Cup is high, especially with England hosting the competition, but Farrell is refusing to look too far ahead.

"The World Cup is a long way away," he said.

"There's obviously loads of rugby to be played before then but that's when everyone wants to peak and that's what we want to build towards. As long as we keep going in the right direction, we'll be in good stead."

Meanwhile, Tom Wood, who played at No.8 in England’s 12-6 win over Ireland, was full of praise for the steely defence shown in Dublin, something he credits to coach Andy Farrell, Owen’s father.

He said: “Andy Farrell has instilled that in us from day one, we’ve never claimed to be a tidy defence or pristine, we get set, we get off the line and try to give the opposition as much pressure as possible. And in those conditions it was hard to handle.”