Alun Wyn Jones credits England for handling pressure and expectation

Newly appointed Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones had high praise for Eddie Jones and the England team for their ability to handle the pressure and expectation.

Ever since the 2015 World Cup debacle, England have been on the rise under Jones and have registered their 15th consecutive win (14 under Jones) with the 19-16 triumph over France at Twickenham last weekend.

In the process, England have clinched the Grand Slam during the previous edition of Six Nations, series whitewash in Australia for the first time and an undefeated autumn international campaign, which saw them rise to the second position in World Rugby Rankings.

Wales started their Six Nations campaign with a 7-33 win over Italy and are lined-up to take on England next at Principality Stadium on Saturday and Jones is wary of the challenge ahead.

"What people forget is when you win for that long, the pressure builds with each game and people want to see you toppled," he said.

"But they've managed that very well, and you can see the (playing) depth they are getting - not just at nine and 10, but across the park. That is the biggest bonus they are going to get moving forwards, as Eddie has alluded to."

Earlier, former Wales captain Sam Warburton said that England have earned their right to be compared with back-to-back World Champions New Zealand and Jones was in complete agreement with his team-mate.

"I don't see why not.

"They are three games away from equalling their (New Zealand's) record (for successive wins), and when you get that close it's fair to make that link, but they have probably been keeping it at arm's length, for obvious reasons."

Jones also had high praise for Saracens back-row Maro Itoje, who was seen at various positions for England. The 22-year-old is among the favourites to feature for the British and Irish Lions squad that will take on New Zealand in June considering the progress he made in the last one-year.

"He is a stand-out performer for them," Jones said.

"His rise has been meteoric when you look at last year and the way he has maintained his form this year.

"He played at six at the weekend (against France) and that just shows the number of strings he has to his bow.

"But if you look at England's second-row, they have such strength in depth, and that competition brings out the best in all of them."

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