Six Nations: England still have much to play for, says Ben Youngs

Ben Youngs has been an ever-present in England's Six Nations campaign

Ben Youngs has called on England to keep their Six Nations dream alive as they build towards the World Cup.

Stuart Lancaster's side had their Grand Slam hopes crushed by a 19-9 defeat to Ireland in Dublin on 1 March.

But Youngs insists England still have everything to fight for when they host Scotland and France in their final two matches of the campaign.

The scrum-half said: "We're still in this championship. It's a good test of character to see how you react."

Ireland could seal their own Grand Slam and retain the Six Nations crown by winning their remaining two matches away to Wales and Scotland.

After England only missed out on the title on points difference last year, Youngs says they must be ready to exploit any Irish slip-up this time around.

A strong finish to the Six Nations will also ensure Lancaster's men are in high spirits going into their World Cup opener against Fiji at Twickenham on 18 September.

Ahead of facing Scotland on Saturday, Youngs added: "We need to get the result now, as well as the performance, and get back to the levels of the second half in Wales.

"That means playing on the front foot, playing English rugby, being powerful, getting over the top of teams, being good at the breakdown, beating teams round the corner and being really direct.

"We have got to make sure we finish like that and give ourselves a real good platform going into our summer camp."