England are heading in the right direction

England's lofty perch on top of the Six Nations is still some way from the global summit.

But they should enjoy the view while they can.

The ascent has been hard-earned – merited, too – and might yet only be short-lived.

Be critical by all means but be appreciative too.

Self-assurance does not come easily and should be embraced as one of the spoils of victory.

Only then should the homework be handed out, and on this evidence, lots of it, perhaps even with a few swishes of the stick.

Sunday is for basking, Monday for beasting.

Given the state of English cricket and football, it…