Robinson rues poor ball retention

Robinson was full of praise for Scotland's defence

England coach Andy Robinson felt his side's inability to hold on to the ball was the main reason for their 18-12 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.

"We had a lot of possession but we were not able to keep the continuity in our attacks," he said.

"Scotland defended magnificently well. They turned us over on many occasions, they took their opportunities with their kicks and deserved to win.

"We forced the ball on occasions and our self control was poor."

Robinson said he did not blame his side for poor decision-making when they were given a host of penalties in the closing moments.

Scotland managed the game better than us today, and that was the difference England coach Andy Robinson

"The right options were taken, we have to be happy with the decision making but when we got opportunities, we could not force the holes in a very good Scottish defence," he said.

"We tried to move the ball and Jamie Noon made a couple of line breaks but could not get the final pass off.

"Credit to them, Scotland worked hard off the ball. They did not commit numbers to the breakdown but when they did they disrupted our ball.

"They made 112 tackles and missed just six and kept their shape well throughout."

Robinson also refused to accept that the defeat was a major setback for his team.

"All these games in the Six Nations are very competitive," he said. "Only one side have won away from home so far in the tournament, and that's us.

We had enough ball to win the game England skipper Martin Corry

"Scotland managed the game better than us today, and that was the difference."

England skipper Martin Corry added that his team need to work on their contact skills before they take on France.

"The breakdown was where the game was won and lost," he said. "It is hugely disappointing.

"We had enough ball to win the game but unfortunately it did not turn out that way.

"We pride ourselves on the fact that we play at our best when we have quick ball but that did not happen.

"It is an area we need to work on. We have to get over this now, we have a week with our clubs and then we have to focus on France."