Talismanic centre Lawrence was carted off after just eight minutes and fly half Fin Smith admits the injury blow discombobulated England

Finally, this was the moment when England’s words matched their deeds, at least in terms of their attacking endeavour. Steve Borthwick has consistently talked about his side’s determination to play a high-tempo game that harnesses the athletic prowess of their back five and the speed of their back three.

A second-half flurry of tries helped England see off the challenge of Italy in a 47-24 win that puts them right in the hunt for Six Nations glory next week.