Josh Lewsey England full-back

OK, it's time to come clean - I almost didn't bother watching the England game on the telly at the weekend.

It's not that I didn't want to cheer them on, it's just I get so frustrated not being able to play or change the course of the match.

England struggled to break through the Italian defence

In the end I did watch it, although admittedly I was a complete shambles.

My dogs probably got overwalked beforehand as I tried to shake off my nervous energy before settling down with a couple of mates to watch the game on TV.

I was actually calmer than usual for me... well, except for two moments at the end when things went slightly awry, including the try the boys conceded.

Match report: Italy 16-31 England

One minute I was calm, the next I was jumping up and down screaming at the TV. Oh well, I guess I can't help it.

I had no problem watching Tom Voyce in the number 15 shirt, the one I'm used to wearing, as he's turning into a very good international player.

He has all the attributes to play in the back three and, if we want to win the World Cup next year, we need about 25 to 27 world-class players pushing for contention. He's one of those.

I didn't bother calling him to give any advice beforehand. He's professional enough to know what needs doing so I just left him to it.

Actually, I haven't spoken to the guys since the match. I just let them get on with the celebrations in Rome.

Looking back at the Italy game, it was a controlled, patient and mature performance.

I genuinely felt sorry for Italy when James Simpson-Daniel ran in the last try

Like every other England fan, I would have liked to see them cut loose but sadly that didn't quite happen. In the end they relied on wearing the Italians down.

I've got to be honest, Pierre Berbizier's side surprised me - they slowed the ball down very well and their defensive work was simply brilliant.

They took their opportunities well but, even when the Italians led 9-7, I never feared England would lose. And, in the end, it was a convincing victory against noble opposition.

That said, I genuinely felt sorry for Italy when James Simpson-Daniel ran in the last try - it didn't really tell the story of the entire match.

There's positives to take from the match - England's continuity was very good and, by and large, their defence was very good except for the disappointment of the Azzurri's second-half try.

It's Scotland next and I'm on course to be fit for that match.

I'm doing all the training I can do. I did some hill sprints on Saturday and have moved on to doing some strength work. In fact, I'm doing everything as normal as long as it doesn't involve the shoulder.