England manager Clive Woodward admitted his side were not on top form despite a 45-9 victory over Italy in Rome but said the side's main aim of the day had been accomplished.

He added on BBC1: "It was a tough game considering France won the Grand Slam yesterday.

"We were not quite as zippy as last year. I'm pleased - it's been a difficult week and it's still a big win for us in Italy. They've not scored any tries and that was our main objective before the game.

"Martin Johnson has been brilliant all week he's just showed that no matter who you are you just get on with it."

Woodward admitted it was "great" to see Dallaglio back on the pitch.

Dallaglio himself said: "It's been a while but it's great to be back. I was in right place and the right time (for the try).

"It's enjoyable to come back - I thought Italy put in a massive performance and full credit to them."

And Greenwood, returning to the country where he spent much of his childhood, added: "It was a special day today. Scoring is always a lot of fun but in this side you're going to score tries.

"Sometimes we get criticised but we've got the desire to entertain people and score tries."

Neil Back paid tribute to a "fantastic group of players" after England concluded their Lloyds TSB Six Nations campaign on a winning note at Stadio Flaminio.

The skipper, who celebrated his 50th cap as Clive Woodward's side triumphed 45-9, was also delighted to have prevented Italy scoring a try despite a low-key display from the visitors.

He said: "It was very special today (getting 50 caps). It was always going to be difficult and it proved that.

"The desire to prevent them scoring a try spurred us on. This is a fantastic group of players and I want to keep involved through to the World Cup next year and I'm now chasing Peter Winterbottom's record of 58 tries."

Lawrence Dallaglio, out of the England side for exactly a year as he underwent knee reconstruction surgery, made a try-scoring return to international rugby.

The former captain touched down just two minutes after going on as a second-half substitute.

Centre Will Greenwood collected two tries, while full-back Jason Robinson, wing Ben Cohen and substitute Austin Healey also scored, with fly-half Jonny Wilkinson booting 13 points and replacement scrum-half Matt Dawson also adding a conversion.