Stuart Lancaster has revealed his "pride" in being selected as the interim head coach of the England elite side.

The Rugby Football Union announced that the Saxons coach would take over from ex-coach Martin Johnson for the Six Nations.

"[The England job] is something as a player I always dreamed of and as a coach I never dreamed of and to get the opportunity to sit here [is an honour].

"I've certainly got my views on where elite performances come from and where elite teams are made. It starts with players and starts with talent and character. We need to select players in the future who have both talent and character. We want players who are hungry and ambitious to achieve.

"We believe that there are a huge amount of talent in our country ready to take that step. We want players to have the responsibility and pride in the shirt. What we need to do is make sure the players recognise that."

The ex-Leeds coach also admitted that he was delighted to join up with assistant coaches Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell.

"If you had said to me in the outset your dream team to work with, I would have picked Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell," he added. "We need to create an environment that engages and motivates the players to be the best."

The RFU's search for a permanent head coach is ongoing.