Stuart Lancaster described England's win over Wales on Friday as the highest point of his career - but insisted the result would have no bearing on their World Cup meeting in September.

England went into the Six Nations opener as underdogs having suffered a raft of injuries but they fought back from a 16-8 interval deficit to run out worthy 21-16 winners.

Bath pair Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph scored tries and outside-half George Ford kicked 11 points as Wales wilted under England's second-half pressure - but Lancaster was quick to play down suggestions his side had struck a psychological blow ahead of the two countries' World Cup duel at Twickenham.

"I don't think it is really," he said. "It's all about the here and now. We've got four more games of the Six Nations to go, as have Wales, and we've got World Cup camps to prepare for and decisions to make on squad selection.

"We've got warm-up games and there's everything to play for. The World Cup is a long way off and this was about getting the victory for that young team away from home. It's great for us in terms of belief."

Lancaster admitted he felt extra satisfaction as England's record 30-3 defeat at the Millennium Stadium two years ago - a result which deprived his side of the Championship and the Grand Slam - was the lowest point of his coaching career.

He said this win was among the best of his career, especially as injuries had forced him to make eight changes from the side which had ended the autumn programme by beating Australia at Twickenham.

"I remember being interviewed after the game two years ago and that was the lowest point of my coaching career without a doubt," Lancaster said.

"We learned a lot from two years ago and drew a lot of strength from last year's performance against Wales and the way we finished the autumn series against Australia.

"This win is definitely one of the highest points because of the pressure and emotion leading up into it and getting new combinations together.

"Whether it's one points, two points, five points it's all about getting the win. Being 10-0 down was a big hole and we closed the gap, but that Dan Biggar drop goal gave us work to do at 16-8. I really feel we upped our intensity and although we took our two tries really well we probably created three or four opportunities in the second half."

Lancaster said he was delighted by the way England kept their composure and felt his power runners made the difference in the second half.

"We made a few changes but we knew we had a good side and we knew if we stuck to the plan we would cause Wales problems," Lancaster said. "We were under pressure to chase the game but I don't think we did. We got into the right field position and the physicality of our power runners ultimately made the difference."

Stuart Lancaster and Graham Rowntree celebrate England's victory © Getty Images

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