The England coaching quartet alongside the Triple Crown © Getty Images

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While this is great news for the England coaching quartet, it is a gamble on the Rugby Football Union's part. When England run out for the first time in their home World Cup against Fiji on September 18, 2015, the pressure on their shoulders will be comparable to the expectation surrounding the 2003 crop.

When England fell short in the 1999 World Cup, Clive Woodward faced a nervous wait to see if he would be re-appointed. He did not have the luxury of a bumper deal. As it transpired, the RFU decided to give him a chance to make amends four years later. The same went for New Zealand in 2007. Graham Henry was seen as the man who had once again presided over an All Blacks team who had choked at the key moment. But despite the covetous glances from Robbie Deans, he was handed a new deal with the mission of guiding New Zealand to glory on home soil in 2011. He managed it, but he did not have the benefit of a security blanket.

Make no mistake about it, this deal will not take the pressure off the England coaches. When Lancaster was handed his permanent deal in the wake of the 2012 Six Nations he spoke of three aims.

"First is pride, taking a pride in wearing the shirt that people can connect with. Second is having a vision for future which is winning the World Cup, so that people can direct all of their efforts towards that vision. Third is creating an environment without any fear, where players can play without fear and express themselves."

The first has been achieved, the second is a work in progress and the third is open to individual interpretation. Non-tangibles such as culture, pride and connection are judged objectively and it is fair to say Lancaster has achieved those goals. But the bigger picture always revolved around the World Cup.

Without meaning to be a doomsayer, if England crash out of their 'group of death' where they face Australia and Wales, will there be an attitude of forgiveness and comfort knowing the coaches have another four years to put it right? I am doubtful.

Prior to the 2011 World Cup, England won the Six Nations. They were in a good place. The players were calling for Johnson to be handed a new deal. "I think Johnno should definitely go on beyond the World Cup," was Danny Care's assessment at the time. What no one could have predicted was the shambolic campaign England experienced a few months on which led to Johnson losing his job. There are cautionary tales from not-too-distant rugby history that suggest public perception can change in the blink of an eye.

Lancaster and his coaches have done a huge amount for English rugby. Little tweaks like taking his first press conference as England coach to his home club in Leeds showed his intention to reconnect England with the public. But this is a results business. If England flounder in the next World Cup the knives will be out - six-year contract or not.