Six Nations: Will Carling shocked by 'painful' England defeat against Wales

England were beaten 30-3 in Cardiff

Dejected England head coach Stuart Lancaster looks on following his team's defeat to Wales (GETTY IMAGES)

Will Carling has branded England's humiliation by Wales the worst beating he has seen the team take in a quarter of a century.

The hosts thumped England 30-3 in Cardiff on Saturday to win the RBS 6 Nations title.

Former England captain Carling wrote in the Sun: "I have never seen a full-strength England side dismantled like this in the 25 years since I made my own international debut.

"This was a good old-fashioned drubbing.

"And it was harder to take because no one could possibly have seen it coming, not a defeat of such massive proportions.

"This was an England team that had won four out of four in the Six Nations after giving the All Blacks a good thrashing.

"It was painful to watch, and England have been taught some sobering lessons."

Carling claimed England had to improve in attack.

"The main lesson to take on board is that we have to stop going into games thinking defence is the overwhelming priority," he added.

"Of course, it is hugely important. But not at the expense of an attacking policy that allows us to make the most of the chances we create."

PA