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The Ideal England Six Nations Squad

Ollie Silverton @rugbyradio

Eddie Jones is set to name his first England squad tomorrow. The new man in charge must be delighted to see how his players have responded to their World Cup disappointment in both domestic and European competitions.

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There have been a few injuries for the coach to contend with, including the likes of Ed Slater, Brendon O’Connor, Dave Attwood, Jonny May and Henry Slade, who all had a great chance of inclusion, but Jones still has a strong deck to select from.

Here’s our suggested squad and one that we believe could mount a serious challenge for a first Championship since 2011.

FORWARDS

Prop: Mako Vunipola, Joe Marler, Dan Cole, Kieran Brookes

Hooker: Dylan Hartley, Jamie George

Second row: Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Josh Beaumont

Back row: Matt Kvesic, Chris Robshaw, Jack Clifford, James Haskell

No8: Billy Vunipola, Ben Morgan

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BACKS

Full-back: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson

Wing: Jack Nowell, Christian Wade, Alex Lewington,

Centre: Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Kyle Eastmond, Jonathan Joseph, Elliot Daly

Outside-half: George Ford, Danny Cipriani

Scrum-half: Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Joe Simpson

NB

Unlucky Five on Standby: Brendon O’Connor (injury recovery), Tom Youngs, George Kruis, Alex Goode, Chris Ashton

Like with every squad, there will be people who disagree and names that may surprise. Alex Lewington, Josh Beaumont, Maro Itoje, Jack Clifford and Elliot Daly have all been included because of their fantastic form so far this year and fully deserve their spots.

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What further boosts their case is that except for Lewington, they can all play in a variety of positions. Clifford has demonstrated at Quins, that he can happily play anywhere in the back row. Itoje is a fantastic second row but also able to fill in at flanker if required. Beaumont meanwhile, is a superb second rower despite impressing at number eight so far this year.

Brendon O’Connor is a player I would have undoubtedly had in the back row but sadly a hamstring tear on the weekend has ruled him out for six weeks.The new Tigers man is one of, if not the only out and out seven that England have at their disposal and after having followed his career in Super Rugby, the fast paced game that he enjoys to play would be of huge benefit to England.

The final name that may raise a few eyebrows is the inclusion of Manu Tuilagi in the squad. It’s a huge call as he has only played a few minutes after a long layoff, but all the reports out of Welford Road are that he is fitter than ever and ready to cause havoc. That midfield I have listed needs a bit of beef and the fact that Tuilagi also has that X-Factor ability in his game only helps.

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Our message to Mr. Jones is to back the youngsters, give them a go and let them play their natural game. The Six Nations is important but it is all part of the rebuilding process before Japan 2019 and these individuals have enough character to make the step up and succeed at the highest level.