Stuart Lancaster appointed England manager: live 0930 Paul Ackford on why Lancaster's appointment makes perfect sense... There's not much else I fear this will be a big mistake. With a South Africa summer tour, Australia, South Africa again & New Zealand in the autumn internationals, followed by away games in the 6N in Cardiff & Dublin, England will be really tested in the next year. It's one thing to scrap wins against the worst Scotland team in many a year - and that's saying something - and Italy with no fly half, France in full on self destruct mode and Ireland with no scrummage at all. But against the opposition they will face in the next 12 months they will struggle. A sound defence can only get you so far. England will regret this decision in the same way as Johnson" - Dekenba Stuart Lancaster's route to England glory 0915 Stuart Lancaster's England reign so far (in brief): 2011 Dec 8 Announced Lancaster would head up an interim England coaching team, also including Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell, for the Six Nations Dec 11 Names an elite player squad featuring nine uncapped players and 13 changes from the World Cup campaign. 2012 Jan 25 Announces his intention to apply for the job on a permanent basis. Jan 30 Names Chris Robshaw as captain in their Six Nations opener against Scotland. Feb 4 England beat Scotland 13-6 in Lancaster's first match in charge. March 17 England finish second in the Six Nations behind Wales. March 29 Lancaster is understood to have been appointed England head coach. 0900 Stuart Lancaster has been appointed England head coach with the RFU expected to confirm the announcement at a press conference this afternoon. Lancaster's permanent appointment follows his successful reign as interim head coach, during which he led England to second place in the Six Nations and rebuilt the reputation of the national team.