My England team to start Six Nations

If there is one position in which England are still unsure it is at full-back. Daly is a wonderful player who offers so much in terms of his footballing ability and footwork, as he proved again with his scintillating try. I am just not sure you would want him at full-back in the biggest Tests. He could be stronger under the high ball and in defence. His decision-making could be better. Sometimes I thought he could have kept the ball in hand more. I would probably bring Mike Brown back into the reckoning for Dublin. He is still England’s best under the high ball, and the man you would a one-point defeat would secure you a semi-final place at the very least, and they have exceeded expectations. You can see that key players - Farrell and Itoje, in particular - have stepped up. Eddie will be delighted with the last four weeks. He has established some combinations, his middle seven looks far more settled, he has blooded some new players and given himself so many more options.

15

Against Ireland in Dublin, I would bring Brown back in at full-back. He’s still the safest pair of hands under the high ball.

One of the first names on my team-sheet, May has cemented his place on one flank.

A fine autumn for the Exeter man. Has looked comfortable outside Ben Te’o and having a second playmaker takes pressure off Owen Farrell.

Has not done much wrong. He may not have the X factor of a fit-and-firing Manu Tuilagi but until Tuilagi gets his form and fitness back, Te’o should stay.

You have to find a place for him. His long-range goal-kicking is such an asset, particularly in Dublin. Will keep Ireland honest.

14 13 12 11 10

Eddie Jones’s decision to give him a run of games at 10 has paid off. Has to stay there. Battle with Johnny Sexton will be worth the admission price alone.

England’s best scrumhalf. His first 20 minutes against New Zealand showed him at his best.

9 1

Assuming Mako Vunipola is not yet fit, Moon keeps his place at loosehead. Solid, if unspectacular, autumn.

Again, it’s horses for courses. England are playing the grand slam champions in Dublin. You want your captain to set the tone from the start.

I wouldn’t start Kyle Sinckler as I think the Irish would get at him. He can make an impact from the bench.

The line-out is going to be so key in Dublin and Kruis is our best operator.

If England are to stand any chance in Dublin, one suspects they will need a big game from Itoje. Needs to start asserting himself on the biggest stages.

2 3 4

If there is one position of which England are still unsure, it’s full-back

5 6

Again, the line-out is going to be key in Dublin so I would have another option at six. Destructive player in the loose as well.

7

A major plus from England’s autumn campaign, England have unearthed a genuine openside.

8

Assuming Billy Vunipola is not fit Wilson has to start somewhere. Has taken to international rugby like a duck to water. Great autumn.