England boss Steve Borthwick hopes his side have inspired the next generation with their victory over New Zealand.
Borthwick’s side ran out 33-19 winners at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, beating the All Blacks at home for the first time in 13 years.
It was also only the ninth time in history that England have defeated New Zealand, and Borthwick believes that its impact could be huge.
“Maro [Itoje] addressed the team this morning and he talked about when the team were 14, 15 years old,” said Borthwick.
“When they were dreaming of playing for England, dreaming of playing here at Allianz Stadium against teams like New Zealand, dreaming of beating teams like New Zealand, here.
“He asked the players to go out and play with that intent that of a 14 or 15 year old, who has the dream, does.
“The boys took those dreams onto the pitch today and I thought they were outstanding. This is about trying to achieve special moments, special memories. Today is one of them.
“Hopefully, there is a load of other young future rugby players watching that game today around the country who want to wear the white shirt and get great victories for England in the future. Hopefully it is a moment for that.”
England have now won their last 10 games in a row and Borthwick told his players to celebrate this one.
They are on course to win all four of their matches this autumn and will do so if they defeat Argentina a week on Sunday.
“The changing room after the game was amazing,” said Itoje.
“A part of my motivation to be a rugby player, to play for England, is that moment in the changing room after a big win.
“It’s something that is hard to describe unless you are part of it.
“When you are part of a team, part of a group of men, who have gone out and done the hard yards, done the work throughout the week, and you get the result at the weekend, they are the moments - when I start to lose my hair and retire - that I will miss the most.
“We are pumped.”
