Let’s come back and really crack America after top start
ENGLAND’S Denver adventure was a fantastic occasion - now we must make sure it was the first step on a long journey into America.
Denver, as a city, was a great venue for the squad – the training facilities were outstanding and we were really well received by the locals.
People were excited to see top athletes play an exciting sport, and they certainly got that on the field.
The crowd of almost 20,000 is a great starting point with the plan to come back to America the next two seasons with this fixture, and I’d like to see them back in Denver.
This can be a first real foothold in America ahead of the 2025 World Cup and the more we come back as a sport the better.
As for the match, for England to come back from 12-0 down and win 36-18 shows how good the spirit is.
Jake Connor and Tommy Makinson produced wonderful debuts – they looked brilliant in training and were a credit to themselves and the country.
I also thought Elliott Whitehead was a stand-out in the back row, both with and without the ball.
And James Graham deserves a special mention for his 40th England cap. He was unreal again, playing that role he always has done, taking the team forward and defending well. He deserves all the accolades he gets.
Now thoughts turn to the autumn Test series with the Kiwis, and there were a few niggles and personal battles out there that will make sure that is interesting. My advice would be for people to get a ticket and make sure they see it live.