England resurgence 'hugely positive' for British & Irish Lions - Warren Gatland

British and Irish Lions' head coach Warren Gatland believes 'real resurgence' in English rugby is hugely positive from a Lions perspective as they prepare for their 2017 summer tour of New Zealand.

Under Eddie Jones, England completed a Six Nations Grand Slam following a historic 3-0 whitewash of the Wallabies with an undefeated run of nine Test matches.

Mark McCall's English Premiership side Saracens also won the European Champions Cup last season.

"It is incredibly exciting. In the last 12 months we've seen a real resurgence in English rugby," Gatland said.

"From a Lions perspective, that is hugely positive."

Although Gatland is fully aware about the massively demanding task of defeating the All Blacks in their backyard, the New Zealander is looking for go-getters to feature in his final line-up.

"This is going to be a massive challenge - we are under no Illusions - to beat the world champions in their backyard.

"But the message to the staff and the players is 'don't put your hand up to be selected if you don't think you can win a series in New Zealand'."

The Lions are due to play three Tests against the world champions in June and July next year.