The All Blacks were 17-3 ahead after 18 minutes, but Owen Farrell’s boot kept England in the contest and his fourth penalty took Stuart Lancaster’s men in front with 20 minutes remaining.

New Zealand belatedly showed their class with an immediate response as Julian Savea scored his second try and the tourists made amends for the record 38-21 defeat on their last visit to London, taking their run to one loss in 34 Tests.

England captain Chris Robshaw said after the game he believes his side must be more clinical if they are to beat New Zealand.

Many positives will come out of the battling defeat, and Robshaw, sporting a swollen eye for his efforts, believes he has identified the crucial difference between the two sides.

He told Sky Sports 1: “I think the difference between them and us at the moment is as soon as they get chances they are clinical. And that’s the benchmark.

“I’m extremely proud of the lads out there. We are going in the right direction. We will keep on moving and keep on learning.”

Responding to a question about the knock to his eye, Robshaw added: “That’s what Test rugby is about. It’s pretty physical.”

His New Zealand counterpart Richie McCaw admitted his side had to work hard for the victory.

“I think Test footy is about taking your chances when they come, whether it is in the first minute or the last minute,” he said.