Warren Gatland will spend the next few days holding an inquest, instead of preparing Wales for a Six Nations title party.

The fall-out from his team’s 25-21 defeat to England at Twickenham could be both swift and severe for those players the coach believes failed to deliver.

Despite a revival in the final quarter, Gatland will consider significant changes for the final match of the Six Nations – at home to Italy – after branding much of what he witnessed as “unacceptable.”

He revealed he even considered making changes as early as the 25^th minute of a match where Wales were insipid and uninspired until their late rally.

“Only the players can answer the question about what they were so flat and lethargic. Unfortunately we didn’t turn up in that first half.

“It’s not acceptable if there was a lack of energy or effort. But we need to just find out why they felt a bit flat and you talk to individuals to ask those questions.

“At this level, when there is so much at stake, you need to have the right emotional state as you take the field. We’ll be thorough in questioning our preparations.

“The players will hopefully be honest about their own performance, particularly in that first half.

“I was going to make changes after 25 minutes today. We gave them a rev up at half time and said we need some enthusiasm.”

Gatland will now consider wielding the axe ahead of the final match of the tournament – when Wales will be playing for second-place.

England, meanwhile, visit France in sight of a Grand Slam for new coach Eddie Jones.

Gatland could also be forced to leave out skipper Sam Warburton, who went off with a head injury and underwent tests for concussion.

The New Zealander, however, said that Warburton was sitting up in the changing rooms and able to talk.

There could also be problems for replacement prop Tomas Francis, who faces potential disciplinary action for putting his fingers near the eyes of England prop Dan Cole.

Francis was warned by referee Craig Joubert that TV officials would be examining footage after the match.

Gatland added: “We prepared the same as we normally do. I said to the players it’s about them being honest with themselves. At this level it’s not acceptable as far as I’m concerned.

“We have rectified things and played some pretty good rugby in the second half.

“I’m not taking anything away from England. They were outstanding. They were more desperate than us and seemed to want it a bit more.

“It was unlike us in the first half. We looked tired and didn’t look enthusiastic. But I’m proud the boys didn’t give up and they kept their heads.

“England competed hard. We outscored them 3-1 in terms of tries but it was Farrell’s kicks that were the difference. The best team won and I take my hat off to them.”

England coach Jones – who only took charge three months ago – said: “It was one game for 60 minutes and another for 20,” Jones said. “Luckily we got enough points in the first 60. It was a funny game, it was all Wales in the last 20. We dropped off a bit at the end.

“We made a number of changes on purpose to test players and to test the strength of the team and maybe those changes didn’t work. If you look at our first 60 minutes there was some fantastic rugby.

“The Grand Slam is a reality and we can’t wait to get to Paris and to do the business,” added Jones.

“We need to prepare well and the Grand Slam is there for us to take. France will play with a lot of passion and a lot of pride – I think we’re good enough to do the business.”