Strettle debut the silver lining

There were few positives for England in the aftermath of the record defeat they suffered at the hands of Ireland in Croke Park on Saturday but the debut of winger David Strettle will definitely stand out when coach Brian Asthon looks for a silver lining.

Strettle was a late inclusion in the team after Jason Robinson withdrew with a neck injury and he capped a confident, all-action display with a brilliantly-taken try.

The 23-year-old was targeted by Ronan O'Gara early on but dealt with the pressure well and was one of few England players to emerge from the game with any credit.

Strettle returned to his day job today with Harlequins, preparing for Saturday's Premiership trip to Leicester and believes he is a better player for the experience.

"It was frustrating to get beaten by such a margin but experiencing that atmosphere and playing for England has definitely helped me develop as a player," he said. "It was a massive occasion but I felt comfortable playing there and it was pleasing to get on the scoresheet.

"I got lots of advice from people and I just tried to keep my head down and play my natural game."

Outhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who himself endured a forgettable afternoon, believes the newcomer will soon become a permanent fixture.

"He had a great debut. It's fantastic that he has kicked off his England career and I am sure he will have a long and successful one.

"He has been lighting up the Premiership with the way he has been playing. He is a massive threat and I am delighted that he got over for a try.

"He came under a lot of pressure with just two days to prepare for one of the biggest occasions that he will face and he did very well."

It has been some rise for the sports coaching graduate from Sheffield Hallam, who only last season was playing in National League One for Rotherham.

Strettle joined Harlequins in the summer and has scored seven tries in 10 Premiership games this season, including a hat-trick against Wilkinson's Newcastle.

He represented both the England Sevens - Strettle is set to be named in the squad for the Hong Kong tournament next month - and the England Saxons before Saturday's Test debut.