THE best of the best for their age bracket can be a true force – but not if they expect an easy ride in the Six Nations, believes Koree Britton.

England's Under-20s start the defence of their Grand Slam against Scotland tonight.

But Gloucester hooker Britton believes the England age group side should forget all about retaining their title.

Instead he has called on Rob Hunter's men to throw everything into dealing with a dangerous Scotland side in Glasgow.

Britton said he relished meeting up with England's top young talent.

And he said the fact no one stands out just proves how the game's development systems are working.

He explained: "This team can be exciting, everyone who is here is outstanding, otherwise they wouldn't be here.

"Dan (Robson) has a different talent from me, Ryan (Mills) has a different talent from me and we've all got our skills that we bring to the side.

"No one has really stood out above anyone else really, and that's a good thing.

"This is the best of the best at this level in our age bracket, and that's clear to see, so it's hugely exciting.

"Guys like Elliot Daly (Wasps centre) will just run rings round people, but that's his game, and people respect each other a great deal because everyone relates to each other.

"We're nothing alike as players, but we're on the same page and that really helps. We've got to put pressure on ourselves, to work out whether what we're producing is the right standard, and the standard that we want for ourselves.

"It does feel slightly different this year, because you do have that experience from last year behind you, but to be honest it's a new group of players.

"It's just a totally new start, so whatever happened last year does not count for anything.

"Last season was great, but that's gone now, it's a totally new squad and we've got to forget what happened.

"The Scotland game is all that counts now, because the other sides will probably be looking to take us down, as champions.

"It's a tag, but it cannot mean anything to us, because it's in the past."

Loan spells are crucial to the development of Gloucester Academy men like Britton.

The 19-year-old has turned out for both Cinderford and Hartpury RFC at different points during the season.

And he said he thrives on any chance to get on the field, and learn from more experienced players around him.

He said: "The energy with the Under-20s is massive, because there's players here who don't play as often as they'd like at their club, which is not surprising, because they are young and developing.

"So when everyone gets here they are really up for it, because there's a good level of expectation on you, and a lot is demanded in a short space of time.

"Hartpury do have some old heads like Darren Morris and Nathan Thomas, and they can pass on a wealth of international experience, and that's a big help.

"Playing alongside them is a big learning experience, and they definitely help me progress with things, giving me tips all the time, especially technical things in the scrum through Darren."