World Cup-winner Matt Dawson think Owen Farrell needs to be dropped as the England captain looks visibly under pressure and “on edge” ahead of the Wales clash.
“Owen Farrell is an England great but right now it is as if he does not fit in the side’s attacking structure,” he wrote in his BBC column.
“During Saturday’s win against Italy, you could tell the England captain was rattled.
“Whatever is going on in his rugby life, he is under pressure. You could see it at times when he was talking to the referee.
“Farrell was scrapping, fighting and was lucky he was not punished for a late tackle on Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney.
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“He is on the edge. He will not like it, but we have all been there and it has got to be recognised by selection.
“It does not mean Farrell is not going to be a world-class player, but there just needs to be a bit of coaching and training – maybe away from the side. Something needs to happen, because it is holding England back.”
Matt Dawson picked nine Englishmen in his Lions XV
BACKS:
- Fullback: Anthony Watson (England)
- Winger: Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
- Winger: Jonny May (England)
CENTRES:
- Outside-centre: Jonathan Davies (Wales)
- Inside-centre: Manu Tuilagi (England)
