Burrell urged to seize chance and solve centre issue

MIKE Catt has urged Luther Burrell to solve England’s World Cup “centre dilemma” when they face France in Paris today.

The midfield is proving the greatest headache for the England management as they attempt to whittle down their options in the position from six to the four slots available in the 31-man squad for the global showpiece on home soil.

Burrell will reprise his RBS Six Nations axis with Jonathan Joseph amid a demand from head coach Stuart Lancaster that he produce a “big performance” to see off his competition.

Joseph and Brad Barritt are guaranteed their World Cup places and Sam Burgess looks set to be included, leaving Burrell, Henry Slade and Billy Twelvetrees to fill the final slot.

Burrell has been given his audition at the Stade de France where he will lock horns with France’s Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud and Catt wants to see the powerful Northampton Saint seize the chance.

“We’re looking for some good stuff from Luther – we just want Luther to be Luther. No one understands the centre dilemma better than Luther,” England’s attacking skills coach said. “When you have the likes of Henry Slade and Sam Burgess playing so well on their debuts, it definitely heightens the decision.”

Chris Robshaw will lead a near fullstrength England team that includes Mike Brown, who will make his first appearance since the final outing of the Six Nations, also against France, after recovering from the concussion that ended his season,