Sir Clive Woodward: 'Penalties cost England in Ireland defeat'

Sir Clive Woodward has expressed his belief that England will have learned a vital lesson about the value of disciplined play in their Six Nations defeat to Ireland.

Stuart Lancaster's side conceded 13 penalties at the Aviva Stadium, which allowed Ireland to take control of the game through the boot of Jonny Sexton.

Woodward is adamant that the Red Rose are showing excellent signs ahead of the World Cup later this year, but feels that they need fine polishing in some areas to become a formidable outfit.

He told BBC Sport: "I hope England don't change the team too much because they're going in the right direction, but they'll have learned a lesson today.

"If you give away 13 penalties at this level you're going to get beaten."

England face Scotland in their next Six Nations outing on March 14.