PROP James Whitcombe had to be at his best as England U20s pulled off a somewhat backs to the wall job to beat Scotland U20s 21-17 in Edinburgh and earn a second successive Six Nations win.

The Keighley prospect was in the starting XV at Myreside, as he was in England's excellent 29-24 bonus-point victory over double World Rugby U20 Champions France on February 1.

England led 14-10 against the Scots at the break in this encounter, scoring two converted tries through Theo Dan and Freddie Steward.

The hosts meanwhile crossed via Ewan Ashman, while Nathan Chamberlain kicked five points for his side.

Scotland were awarded a second-half penalty try, but Connor Doherty's score won the game for England.

The hosts went ahead through a Chamberlain penalty but it was England who got the first try. Dan went over in the corner after collecting his own lineout and Manu Vunipola added the extras.

Ashman then crashed over off the back of a driving maul, which Chamberlain converted for 10-7.

However, Steward crossed late in the half after England recycled the ball from the right wing to the left and the full back went over in the corner.

Scotland went back in front through a penalty try on 55 minutes, with Ben Donnell also sent to the sin bin as a result.

To their credit, England held out during that period of being down to 14 men and scored a third try through Doherty, who cut a fine line and wriggled through midfield to score, with Vunipola converting to seal victory.

After the game, head coach Alan Dickens enthused: “We knew this would be a tough place to come and that proved the case, but the players showed great character and composure to win the game.

“We probably didn’t have the majority of possession or territory so to come out on top is really pleasing and testament to their character.

“It was a short turnaround from our away game in France but the boys have been brilliant this week in the way they've recovered, analysed and prepared for this match and I think that showed in how we finished the game.

“Our discipline is an area we need to look at and we will want a step up in performance (in our next game at home) against Ireland, who are the grand slam champions at U20s.

“But two wins from two is a great start and now the players get to play in front of home support at Franklin’s Gardens (in Northampton) in two weeks’ time and I know they will enjoy that experience.”