British and Irish Lion Tom Croft admits England’s young guns are keeping everyone on their toes as they chase a third consecutive victory in Ireland on Sunday.
Sprits in the England camp are high following successive wins over Wales and Italy in recent weeks although they will lock horns with an Irish outfit who are also enjoying their own winning run.
Flanker Croft, who made five appearances for the Lions on the successful tour Down Under in 2013, could win his 40th England cap if he steps off the bench at the Aviva Stadium.
But while one of the older heads in the dressing room at 29 years of age, the Leicester Tiger admits the younger players, such as Jonathan Joseph, George Ford and Anthony Watson, are driving the team on.
"It is a really positive atmosphere to be involved in," Croft told Talking Rugby.
"There is a large core of younger players in that 21-24 group leading the team, and that is what you want.
"The team is playing well. We had a superb win over Wales in the first round. Then we beat Italy in the second game.
"Now we're going into the Ireland game and it is massive with both teams unbeaten so far. It is a decider in terms of who is going to stay unbeaten after three rounds.
"Ireland are a dangerous side, they are very physical at the ball, and we have to look at combating that."
Be part of the biggest Tour in the world and click here register your interest in travelling with The British & Irish Lions to New Zealand in 2017
