Chris Robshaw has been re-appointed England captain for the 2014 Six Nations Championship, the Rugby Football Union announced on Friday.
The announcement came as little surprise given the flanker has led England in 19 out of their past 22 Tests, including coach Stuart Lancaster's first in charge against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2012.
Harlequins captain Robshaw has been absent from just three internationals during Lancaster's time as England coach, missing the third Test against South Africa in June 2012 through injury and then being rested for last year's tour of Argentina.
"Chris is in the team on merit as a player first and foremost but he has also shown himself to be an outstanding leader for Harlequins and England," Lancaster said in a RFU statement.
"He led us well during the QBE (end-of-year) Internationals and I have no doubt that, as he goes into his third RBS 6 Nations as captain, he will do likewise."
Robshaw, captain in 19 out of his 20 Tests, said: "Stuart rang me yesterday (Thursday) and, as with every time he has asked me, it is a great privilege. To lead your country is a massive honour but I am fortunate to have a group of players and leaders who support me in that.
"We want to kick on from the QBE Internationals (when England beat Australia and Argentina but lost to world champions New Zealand) and we can't wait for the challenge ahead, starting with a tough away match against France (on February 1)," the 27-year-old added.
England will look to go one better in this season's Six Nations after finishing the 2013 edition as runners-up to champions Wales.
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