Ben Earl hits back at the ‘crap’ the ‘worst England team ever’ got from critics after shock win over Ireland

England number eight Ben Earl hit back at his team’s critics after they delivered their best performance of the Six Nations en route to a 23-22 victory over Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

The Red Rose clinched a shock victory in the game’s dying moments courtesy of a Marcus Smith drop goal, which was the act of an enthralling encounter, and the result ended the men from the Emerald Isle’s dream of winning back-to-back Grand Slams.

England‘s triumph means the Six Nations title will be decided on the final weekend and Steve Borthwick’s charges still have an outside chance of lifting the title if they beat France in Lyon, while Ireland are still favourites of being crowned champions again if they manage to beat Scotland in Dublin.

‘Worst England team ever’

The Red Rose came into Saturday’s clash against Ireland as underwhelming underdogs, with bookmakers rating them at 4-1 but they put in a brilliant performance which stunned their more fancied opponents.

“Unbelievable, really. I’m a bit emotional,” player of the match Earl said.

“Some of the crap that has been thrown at the team over this last week, apparently, we are the worst England team ever. We have done pretty well for that accolade.

“We knew from the beginning of the game that if we played our best stuff, we would have a chance. Amazing stadium, amazing fans, amazing team-mates. Credit to the fans. What a great day!

“We train like that every day. We all know sometimes that doesn’t translate onto the pitch but people don’t see half the stuff we do. I’m just so pleased.”

Marcus Smith drop-goal denies Ireland back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams as England shine

Jamie George’s reaction

Ireland thought they had done enough to win the Test when James Lowe crossed for his second try in the 73rd minute, but England finished stronger and clinched the result courtesy of Smith’s late snapshot.

England skipper Jamie George, who spent the final of the match on the sidelines after being replaced, joked that his side’s victory was “never in doubt”.

“I don’t like watching but I was in awe of the boys on the field – the composure they showed but also going out there to attack the game and win the game,” he said.

“We didn’t panic at any stage, and I have to admit it was a bit emotional at the end because of everything that’s gone on.

“I was just so proud of the players on the field. They applied themselves. It was never in doubt!”

Meanwhile, Borthwick revealed that there are injury concerns over Chandler Cunningham-South and Henry Slade ahead of their last match against Les Bleus on Saturday.

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