Brian Ashton believes England will need to step up "two or three gears" when they face arguably the biggest challenge of their entire campaign on Saturday.

England, unbeaten following contrasting victories over Scotland and Italy, head to Croke Park in Dublin for an appointment with pre-tournament favourites Ireland.

England have not beaten Ireland since eight months before they won the 2003 World Cup, and they will travel as underdogs.

But head coach Ashton says she is confident England will deliver: "a much enhanced performance" two weeks after threatening a botched Italian job before struggling past the Azzurri 20-7.

Ashton said: "I hope we are going to be a bit more lively around the pitch for 80 minutes. We need more dynamism and movement, putting together a game that is going to challenge the Irish defence and putting a defence together that is going to challenge the Irish attack.

"I am confident this will be a much-enhanced performance. The players en-bloc were so disappointed with the performance against Italy. They want to step up two or three gears from there, and to be honest, we know we have to. We cannot get away with that performance again against Ireland."

Ashton, who reported a clean bill of health among the England squad, is also satisfied his players are well aware of the historical significance surrounding Saturday's eagerly-awaited clash.

It will be the first time for England to play at Croke Park.

Former Ireland full back and current RFU academy boss Conor O'Shea, whose father was an All Ireland medal winner with Kerry, addressed the England squad last night.

Ashton added: "Conor came to see us and spoke about the history of Croke Park and its significance in Irish history and Irish culture. I felt it was a good idea, and our players were really interested. We know it is a real privilege for us to go and play there on Saturday.

"We understand the history of the culture, and we know it is a very special place to play. We are really looking forward to it."