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January 12, 2010

Posted on 01/12/2010

Should England be more radical?


Will England manager Martin Johnson spring any surprises this week? © Getty Images

Stability, continuity and loyalty will no doubt have have counted for a lot when Martin Johnson put together his Six Nations squad - but should the England boss be more radical? Mick Cleary writes in the Daily Telegraph.

"There is a sense that England have to be less inhibited, less intent on survival or damage limitation. The autumn series was a chastening experience for coaches and players: minimal return, miserable mood. There was a feeling in the autumn that England were playing without true conviction, that they didn't wholly trust themselves. If nothing else this Six Nations, they have to play without fear.

"In part, this approach can be reflected in personnel. Yet there will not be many radical departures from the script when the squads are unveiled (a 32-man Saxons squad will also be named), with the likely promotion of Chris Ashton, Northampton's high-scoring wing, the stand-out change. Saracens flanker Andy Saull is also in the mix."


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