Vickery: shock defeat

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England shocked - Your View

England captain Phil Vickery has called for a sense of collective responsibility following the shock loss to Wales on Saturday.

England surrendered a winning position in the final 20 minutes to hand Wales their first win at Twickenham for 20 years.

The World Cup finalists now face a month on the road - with matches in Rome, Paris and Edinburgh. Not counting the 2007 World Cup in France, England have lost 15 of their last 16 away games.

The solitary win was a 31-16 triumph against Italy two years ago, and England return to the Eternal City next weekend desperately needing a repeat performance.

"We saw some of the best - and the worst - of England," admitted Vickery.

"The harsh realities of international rugby are if you make mistakes you are going to be punished, and Wales certainly punished us in that second half.

"We have to be critical of ourselves and take the flak that will come our way."

The media have been singling out various players to blame for England's second-half collapse, but Wasps forward Vickery insisted: "To blame it on individuals is a bit harsh. We have to take it as a collective. We are a pretty honest bunch, and we have to move on.

Blame

"It's easy to blame individuals, but sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture. Is the team functioning correctly to give that individual the right opportunity to do his job?

"Credit to Wales. They stuck to their guns, rose to the challenge and ultimately didn't have to do a great deal to win the game.

"The mistakes came from us, and they kept their discipline and shape to come away with the win.

"It doesn't matter if you have got one cap or 50 caps, when you are out on the field you have to perform.

"We are all responsible. We have to look at ourselves as a team and keep level heads."