Joe Launchbury has insisted that England are ready to continue dispelling the concerns raised by last year's Six Nations mauling in Cardiff.

Stuart Lancaster's side, chasing a Grand Slam, were smashed 30-3 by Wales in a title-deciding defeat which led to claims that the team would have to be rebuilt.

However, after a successful autumn featuring wins against Australia and Argentina and a narrow loss to New Zealand, Launchbury believes that England posses a pack capable of cutting it at the top.

"I'd say we've removed any lingering doubt over our physicality, but the question will continue to be asked," Launchbury told reporters. "We went to Argentina and played well there. We had three tough autumn matches and don't think anyone could say we lacked bite in those matches.

"I'd like to think we're well and truly past that and have grown as a team. We had one day in Cardiff when it didn't go as we would have wanted, but since then the focus has been on us improving.

"Hopefully we showed where we are in the autumn and we'll continue to do that in the Six Nations."

England begin their Six Nations campaign by making the trip to France on Saturday.