Harlequins full back Mike Brown scaled another peak in his career to leave a nation and himself hoping there are more summits to be conquered.

The 30-year-old proved how much he is worth to England head coach Stuart Lancaster by almost single-handedly clawing his country to a 35-11 Rugby World Cup opening night win over Fiji.

There are few superlatives left to acclaim one of the squad’s most consistent performers at international level and to have him back in the fold after a worrying spell on the sidelines due to concussion is crucial to England’s hopes.

Some critics would prefer a little more attacking flamboyance in the 15 shirt, but at the top level the ability to make and execute the right decisions under pressure on a consistent basis is of greater value.

And captain Chris Robshaw and the coach know he is the man they can turn to in crisis.

“Browny was great. That performance is what we expect,” said Robshaw, who came through the Harlequins academy with the Southampton-born former Wyvern College student.

“He makes the right decisions at the right times and his run in the second half was one of those momentum changing moments.

“He is back to his best which is great to see.”

England were losing their way in the second half of the match on Friday as Fiji pegged them back to a slender 18-11 advantage havin g raced into a 15-0 lead.

But Brown scored his second try of the night and then Billy Vunipola crossed to grasp a try scoring bonus point in the closing stages.

"I thought Browny was excellent,” added Lancaster.

“He inspires the team in the way he plays. He plays with such courage and plays with pace and power as well.

“I think he lifted the team in the second half and took the game by the scruff of the neck as did Billy [Vunipola]."