England's darkest hour in the professional era is not without a flicker of light. The Gloucester centre Anthony Allen, who earlier this week signed a contract that will keep him at Kingsholm for another two years, made his international debut last month and offered a glimpse of the future for the men in white by the way he created space for himself and others.

Allen, who turned 20 in September, was dropped after the defeat by Argentina having made his debut against New Zealand, as England looked to avoid a record run of eight consecutive defeats. While that was averted with victory over South Africa, defeat against the Springboks the following week signalled the end of the head coach Andy Robinson's two-year reign.

As speculation abounds about whether Twickenham will replace Robinson with a coach or a managerial figure, Allen's message is that England started down the road to salvation six months ago when they appointed a new coaching team, including the architect of their attacking game, Brian Ashton, and that there is no reason to turn back.

"Gloucester have shown in the last couple of seasons what an attacking attitude can achieve," said Allen. "It is not an easy way to play, with no room for inhibition, but there are signs that other Premiership clubs are going down the same path. "I am one of a number of young backs at Kingsholm and we play what is in front of us without fear, looking to spot space and attack it.

"It is what England have been trying to do since Brian's appointment, but it takes time, not least because the style is different to what many players are used to at their clubs.

"People have to be patient and if they have struggled in November to see what we were trying to do, there were signs against New Zealand and in the opening 20 minutes of the second Test against South Africa. The important thing is that the players have bought in to what the coaches are trying to do. We will get there, but there are no short cuts."

Allen said he was sorry at Robinson's departure. "Robbo gave me my first cap and I will always be grateful to him. I had no problems with being left out of the side after the Argentina defeat because changes had to be made and the pressure on the management was intense.

"Robbo kept that off the players. He was always positive in his attitude and he knew that changing the playing style was going to be a long process. It came naturally to me because of Gloucester, but new combinations and ideas always take time to bear fruit, and it is sad Robbo will not be around when that happens."

Allen is not allowing mistakes he made during his two internationals to weigh on his mind. "There is no point in dwelling on what has happened, because tomorrow is what counts," he said.