England's interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has claimed that he is confident his team have made significant progress during the Six Nations.

Despite last Saturday's 19-12 loss to Wales, Lancaster believes that the game away to France will provide the benchmark for how much progress England have made under his brief management.

"A great benchmark is going to be our game away to France," The Guardian quotes Lancaster as saying.

"I don't think they've lost at the Stade de France in the Six Nations for nine games. It's going to be a huge challenge but our confidence hasn't been dented by losing to Wales. We've learned some lessons as a young team but the trick is how quickly you learn them. I feel we're making progress."

Lancaster is expected to be interviewed for the permanent position later this month.