Ex-England star backs his side to beat weakened Ireland in Six Nations

"I don’t think Ireland are quite the same team they were 18 months ago."

Ireland may still have one more game in their Autumn Nations Series for 2024, but England wrapped up their series against Japan yesterday, and are already looking ahead to the Six Nations.

First up on February 1 is Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and World Cup winner Dawson believes that it could be a launchpad for a side that have seen large improvements this year without the results to go with them.

England's ability to close out games under head coach Steve Borthwick has put them under scrutiny. This year they have had three losses to the All Blacks for a combined nine points, while both Australia and South Africa turned them over this month with late scores.

For his BBC Sport column, Dawson wrote: "Yes it is a huge game first up against Ireland, playing away against one of the top sides in the world, but it could be a line in the sand and a real starting point for England."

Matt Dawson makes bold claims ahead of Ireland clash

The 52-year-old reckons that Ireland are not as good as the side that won the Grand Slam in 2023 and that their loss at Twickenham in this year's Six Nations shows that they are vulnerable.

Dawson added: "They have proven they can put themselves in a position to win these big games. I don’t think Ireland are quite the same team they were 18 months ago and you have to bear in mind what happened at Twickenham this year when they last met each other.

"Everything says Ireland will win that game but if England can bring all of those positives together and get the bounce of the ball or the odd call and they end up winning the game then maybe that will be the launchpad."

Dawson's comments on Ireland's form are fair, but after steady improvements for the Men in Green this Autumn, he may have to rethink his views after Ireland clashes with Australia this Saturday.