But the bookmakers' Scrooge-like odds were fully justified as Martin Johnson and company romped to a record win on Welsh soil with six scintillating tries.

Italy are next up on Saturday week and it is already starting to look as though a Grand Slam showdown with France beckons at Twickenham on April 7.

Only Mike Catt and Jason Leonard, of the current England squad, have experienced that all-conquering high, but flanker Back is hungry to emulate their achievement, especially following final-hurdle failures in each of the past two seasons.

"I would love to win a Grand Slam - it is something the whole squad and management want," said the 32-year-old Leicester star.

"There are some tough games ahead, and every match brings its own special challenge. But I hope this can be the year for me and England.

"We arrived in Cardiff, determined to keep the momentum going from our autumn victories over Australia, Argentina and South Africa - and we managed that.

"We took our scoring opportunities but I would have to say that, although the final scoreline makes it look comfortable, we had to work for every point.

"Everyone expected a tough Test match, and that's exactly what we had. Wales have got some quality players and they tore into us from the kick-off, but we expected that and dealt with it.

"Although we had a big lead at half-time, the message was not to rest on what we had achieved and allow Wales back into the game."