Former France fly-half Thomas Castaignede has claimed that England can build on their 2016 Six Nations success by dominating the tournament for years to come.
The Red Rose ended a five-year wait for the title at the weekend thanks to a narrow win over Wales, coupled with defeat for France against Scotland 24 hours later.
Having seen head coach Eddie Jones win all four of his games in charge since taking over on the back of an embarrassing World Cup showing on home soil, Castaignede - a two-time Grand Slam winner in his playing days - believes that England are currently well above their rivals.
"There are no other teams near England," he told BBC Sport. "If they keep the same group of players together, they can win the tournament for many years.
"England have quality, are very well organised and Eddie Jones brings confidence. They deserve better than the title - they deserve the Grand Slam. I've been really impressed with England and the way they're playing."
England will secure the Grand Slam should they see off France in Paris in the tournament's final round of fixtures next weekend.
Daniel Lewis
