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Rugby Union

England captain Jamie George sends warning to team after narrow Six Nations win in Italy

Philip Marsh
England captain Jamie George sends warning to team after narrow Six Nations win in ItalyGetty
England were unconvincing in victory against Italy.

England captain Jamie George has warned his players they "have got to be better going into Wales" after narrowly beating Italy in Rome.

Victory for England ended an opening game curse, with their last win to start a Six Nations campaign coming back in 2019 against Ireland.

But this win will not do much to boost confidence, as England could only muster up a 27-24 win against Italy - scoring just two tries in the process.

George, who was captaining England for the first time, did have some positives to take after the game, but said they must be better against Warren Gatland's side at Twickenham next week.

"It was a mixed bag," George told ITV. "I would say I am really pleased with some of the endeavour. The boys dug in at times and I am pleased with the character we showed.

"There were some new faces in the squad, but the blueprint we played in the second half showed what we are more about.

"In terms of our efficiency there are some fixes we need to get right. The thing that pleased me the most is we tried things and that is what we have been focusing on.

"Felix Jones [England's new defence coach] has come in with new ideas and we want to be physical.

"It was not perfect and we know we have got to be better going into Wales, but it was a pretty good start."

The first weekend of Six Nations action is completed in Wales, as they host Scotland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

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