England fly-half Danny Cipriani targets further improvement to displace George Ford

England's Danny Cipriani admits there is plenty of room for improvement despite marking the end of his seven-year international absence from Twickenham with a try in the Six Nations thumping of Italy.

The Sale Sharks half-back scored his second England try within 60 seconds of replacing Ford in the second half, collecting Jonny May's inside pass and diving under the posts to the score the hosts' sixth try as they maintained their unbeaten start to the Championship.

For Cipriani, the score represents a remarkable turnaround in his international fortunes as when omitted from the squad for the autumn series the 27-year-old was ready to give up on international selection altogether and join European champions Toulon.

But inclusion in the squad and subsequent injury to Owen Farrell leaves Cipriani second only to Ford in the pecking order, who made just his fourth straight England start for the visit of the Azzuri, and the ex-London Wasps man has pledged to put more pressure on his young compatriot.

"I think Fordy's been playing extremely well. He's been very composed and I think his mental resolve has been shown throughout the team," he told reporters.

"We went down in Wales and showed a lot of mental resolve to make sure we kept to the script, and did the same against Italy. It's down to me to keep working in training and put my hand up in that way.

"I am not going to wish anyone to slip up I am just going to keep in training, working on what I am doing. Working on the minute details, the skill set work and the extras with Mike Catt and I'll keep doing that then maybe the opportunity will come. If it comes in 20 minutes spells then I need to do what is right for the team to win the game."

Cipriani's chequered club career, which has seen him suffer regular injury problems and be at the center of several controversial off-the-field incidents, has often affected his international credentials however he appears to be approaching his best form at just the right time for Stuart Lancaster.

"It does feel like I've been away for a while but to get the reception I did was very humbling," he added. "It was one of the proudest moments to be back out there and keep striving and get back in that England shirt.

"I am here to be part of a great squad. If I get the chance to get on the field then I'll take it with both hands. That is what everyone on the bench is like. I am very focused on the situation and whatever is the best thing for the team to make sure we win."