Six Nations: French lessons leave England confident of success against Ireland in Six Nations climax

Eddie Jones’s men head to Dublin for the climactic clash of the RBS 6 Nations with the title already secure, replaying the same scenario as last year when they faced France in Paris to complete the clean sweep.

England have now amassed 18 successive Test victories – one short of eclipsing New Zealand’s record – and Marler detects a change in mindset induced by their success under Jones.

“We’ve moved it on again. We’ve stepped it up again in terms of the attitude, the way we approach the match,” Marler said.

“Last year it took us by surprise. We were playing well and winning games, but we weren’t as confident.

“We didn’t really know ourselves as well as we know ourselves now. We’re looking forward to giving it another crack at the weekend against Ireland.

“There’s definitely less stress this week than at the same time last year. We can take that confidence that we’ve done it before, but the challenge ahead of us is as big, if not bigger.”

England retained their title with a 61-21 over Scotland last Saturday, giving Marler the perfect occasion to celebrate his 50th cap.

Observing a squad tradition, Marler sang Someone Like You by Adele on the team bus after the match but he almost did not go through with another protocol performed by players reaching the milestone.

“The boys turned up and made it a good day for me. I’m very grateful. I don’t think I can repay that. It was a great day and a great win that sets us up nicely for this week,” Marler said.

“Running out on to the pitch by myself was awkward. Very awkward.”

England wing Elliot Daly is closing in on retaining his place to face Ireland.

Daly is observing the ‘return to play’ protocols for concussion after being the victim of a tip-tackle against Scotland. If passed fit, Daly is likely to start on the left wing.

“Elliot is progressing really well through the ‘return to play’ protocols. He’s gone through every stage really well so far,” said forwards coach Steve Borthwick.

England will become just the sixth team in the history of the tournament – and the first of the Six Nations era – to defend the grand slam if they topple Ireland.

“This squad keeps looking ahead and the players thrive on the next challenge. This is our next challenge and the players are desperate to get better,” said Borthwick.

“This is the next challenge and the next opportunity to show that we’re improving.

“Ireland are a very good side and have a forward pack who have experience and are able to show what quality and pace they have. Their half-backs are good, so they’re a good side.”

England are also exploring the possibility of staging a mouth-watering showdown against New Zealand this autumn.

In a frustrating quirk of the international schedule, the game’s top two teams are not scheduled to meet until late next year but November 4 is being examined as a possible window for an additional fixture.

The All Blacks are due to face the Barbarians at Twickenham on that date.