Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach, has acknowledged that pressure is growing on his side as they continue to flounder in their build up to the World Cup.

A 31-28 defeat by South Africa on Saturday was the fifth successive Test England have lost.

Ahead of the autumn Tests, Lancaster stated that the results would offer a "barometer of our progress". Two defeats later - the All Blacks also pipped England - and his side appear to be going backwards.

"Clearly the pressure is on," said the head coach. "Every defeat hurts and you do want to put in a positive performance. People want and expect that, as we do."