Hartley: It’s time England ended Six Nations title wait

And the Saints hooker knows a win in Sunday’s game against Ireland in Dublin will be vital to achieving that aim.

England have only won the Six Nations once since 2003, with the 2011 success the last time they claimed glory.

But with confidence high after an opening night triumph in Wales and a thumping success against Italy, Stuart Lancaster’s men head to the Aviva Stadium in buoyant mood.

And Hartley said: “This team is building. We’ve had our big losses, our big disappointments and it’s time we won something.

“We’re hungry and I’m not afraid to say it: we want to be Six Nations champions.

“It’s a long way to go but this weekend is a step towards that goal for us.

“Preparations have been going well, but no hiding - this is a crunch test for us. It’s another huge game away from home.

“We’ve been to Cardiff already, exorcised a few demons down there and this is a whole different challenge for us.

“It’s one we’re looking forward to and to keep our tournament hopes alive we’ve got to win this weekend.”

England 21-16 win in Wales on February 6 showed exactly what the current side is capable of.

And Hartley wants another huge performance in what promises to be another epic encounter this weekend.

He said: “We’re trying to replicate what we did (in Wales), how we went and won there, what we did during the week, the mindset of winning away from home.

“Nothing has been different this week because the challenge is the same. It’s a huge game away from home and hopefully on the day we turn up like we did in Wales.

“They’re in a good bit of form, they’re a confident side and they’re the current champions so that’s where we want to be.”