Simon Middleton believes England can improve further despite 84-19 win over Fiji

England coach Simon Middleton believes the red rose team can improve further despite a dominating win over Fiji in the Rugby World Cup opener in Auckland on Saturday.

In a closely competed first half, even though England managed to score four tries and secured a bonus point, Fiji were in with a chance as they were trailing by just 10 points heading into the break.

"Fiji certainly came to the party in the first half and made it really difficult for us, which we expected," Middleton told reporters after the win.

"We probably didn't quite handle it as well as we we'd have hoped to but that's alright, it shows that we are very human.

"We settled down at half-time and I think we showed great composure second half and got back to what we do well..."

Nevertheless, England were ruthless in the second half as they amassed 10 tries showing no respite for Fiji as they finished the game 84-19 to make a statement.

In the process, it was also a record 26th consecutive win for the red roses as they aim to win the title for the third time after 1994 and 2014.

"Fiji really rattled us in the first half, they were very physical. We looked really nervous and that's understandable because this is the biggest stage and what a place to play.

"So really pleased with how we got composed and executed the game plan."

England will be facing France next in the second round in Whangarei on 15th October.