Matt Dawson

England have the talent to perform better than they did in the Six Nations win against Wales, but they need more freedom in order to do that.

There were a few moments of control at Twickenham. It wasn't like there were 30 minutes of England dominating. A lot of it was made in Wales.

Some of the penalties Wales conceded were really soft, even though they came from lots of England pressure.

The Eddie Jones men were disciplined and defensive. It was a shame that the attack couldn't create the opportunities that they deserved.

The way England attack needs to be more ruthless. When they get to certain parts of the field it's like everyone is in the same boat as they were in camp.

Wales were ready to counter-attack and throw caution to the wind. England was not like that.

It felt like a machine. They could get away with it because they are big, strong and very fit.

They still have to play Ireland and France, and I worry that they will need more initiative because they will compete with England up front.

'There is no point having talent if you stifle it'

I would let the players do what they want.

Marcus Smith can create something out of nothing. He should be allowed to go with his instincts if he sees an opportunity.

Smith is playing within the system but when it's time for him to have a dart or hit a cross-field kick, he manages the game a bit.

It looks like he is in control if he has a bit of space to show them his skills.

If you are going to stifle them in the way they play, you don't need those players.

England has the talent and structure to succeed. It looks like the players are encouraged to enjoy themselves because of France's dominant victory against Scotland.

The rest of the team is led by one or two superstars.

'I am not sure Randall will start the next game'

Harry Randall needs more licence to play.

If he wants to go out there and take every quick-tap penalty, then go for it.

I would encourage him to have a dart around the breakdown or feed the players around him because he is not going to make a lot of breaks.

Randall started over Ben Youngs for the second game in a row, but I am not sure if he will keep the starting shirt for the Ireland game.

I would like to see him try it, but I'm a little worried that Jones will think it didn't work on Saturday, and maybe he should use Randall with 20 or 30 minutes to go.

It's the sort of thing that scrum-halves get the blame for. I have been blamed for a few things.

You could tell Randall was tired by the way he was running around. He was slow to get to the rucks and the ball was not getting in Smith's hands as quickly as Wales could defend.

Six Nations standings: France lead the championship with three wins from three

'The use of Itoje was awkward'

I didn't understand how England used Maro Itoje.

In the first half, he was playing first receiver and doing little drop-off balls. Someone thinks that is the best use of Itoje, but you are not using your players in the best way.

I understand if it is Kyle Sinckler. He can run at a fast pace, tip people off and look like he is getting the ball. Itoje will either truck it up or pivot and pass it to the first receiver. There is no threat.

It is a bit awkward and I feel for Itoje. Why would you do that to someone who wants to take people on and get in contact?

'England have hope against France'

France are favorites for the title, but England might have a chance.

If they beat Ireland at home, they will have an opportunity to win the Six Nations title in Paris on the final weekend.

A performance like the one they had against New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals is what England need.

There is something in there that keeps them from playing how they think they should.

It will give them the confidence to think that they are going to play well.

England have a chance against France.

Matt was speaking to someone.

  • Subscribe to the Rugby Union Daily podcast
Around the BBC iPlayer bannerAround the BBC iPlayer footer