Justin Rose ignoring pressure of history as he aims to end English wait for Open title

Sir Nick Faldo was the last English champion in 1992 and, from his position in the television commentary booth at Royal Troon, he said Rose's second round in difficult conditions was "probably the best 68 of his whole career in that wind".

Added to his opening 69 it left him five under par, two shots off the lead set by 2019 champion Shane Lowry, and raised hopes that his country's drought at the world's oldest major could be ended this week.

"It would be nice," said Rose.

"When I won the 2013 US Open it was like, 'First (Englishman) since Tony Jacklin (in 1970)', and they are nice moments when they come together, but you are never thinking of it.

"In the moment you are just trying to get the job done."

Key to Rose's success has been the ability to avoid significant damage with just one bogey — coming at the 12th in his second round — in 36 holes.

Rose believes the focus that having to come through final qualifying earlier this month gave him has helped.

"I look back at Burnham and Berrow (his qualifying course) — we played in a really tough westerly breeze and I think even that little bit of experience of getting back playing some tough links golf has probably help me a little bit these last two days.

"Yesterday was plain sailing, 16 greens, a lot of tap-in pars. What was good about it today was I had to grind the perfect mix of playing well and fighting well.

"You are fighting through every moment on the course."