England upbeat about Daly's Ireland rugby match chances

England are increasingly optimistic that Elliot Daly will be available when they bid to win a Grand Slam against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

The England wing is undergoing "return to play" protocols after a dangerous tackle by Fraser Brown that saw the Scotland hooker yellow-carded and cut short Daly's participation in last weekend's 61-21 Calcutta Cup success at Twickenham.

Victory meant reigning champions England retained their Six Nations title.

They now travel to Dublin aiming to complete back-to-back Grand Slams and set a new record for a leading rugby union nation of 19 successive Test wins.

Should he get the all-clear, Daly is set to retain his left wing berth in the team England coach Eddie Jones is due to name on Thursday.

"Elliot is progressing really well through the 'return to play' protocols," Steve Borthwick, the England forwards coach, said Wednesday. "He's gone through every stage really well so far.

"He has a contact session (on Wednesday) afternoon and then it's team training (on Thursday)."

Only five teams in the history of the Championship have won consecutive Grand Slams and England will break new ground if they win at Lansdowne Road this weekend by becoming the first team to do so in the Six Nations era.

"This squad keeps looking ahead and the players thrive on the next challenge," said Borthwick.

The former England captain added: "This is our next challenge and the players are desperate to get better.

"This is the next challenge and the next opportunity to show that we're improving.

"Ireland are a very good side and have a forward pack who have experience and are able to show what quality and pace they have. Their half-backs are good, so they're a good side."