Two time Lions tourist Jonny Wilkinson has draw the comparisons between England’s 2003 World cup winning squad and the current crop.
Martin Johnson’s men beat France 17-9 on Saturday to continue their unbeaten run in the RBS 6 Nations and keep alive their Grand Slam dreams.
And Wilkinson, who has amassed a staggering 116 points for the Lions, reckons the current squad is beginning to resemble the side that lifted the Williams Webb Ellis Trophy eight years ago.
"What we are doing is based on good values and a good foundation and that reminds me of 2003," said Wilkinson.
"In 2003 something very solid was put in place and time was taken to develop it, to stick with it, to give guys an opportunity and continue to move on."
"Each game we have played so far in the Six Nations and in the autumn has called upon something different from the team.
"This was the kind of game that international rugby is all about, where it balances on a knife-edge and comes down to crucial moments.
"It was tight, intense rugby against a very good team and that is why it was a good win.
"I guess there were echoes of 2003. You need guys who continue to stand up tall, keep getting off the floor. This was an opportunity to see some guts and hard graft."
