Sir Ian McGeechan picks his all-time England dream team, no Phil Vickery

"You would have to put Jonny ahead of Owen Farrell because, while they were similar players, I think Jonny really broke the mould," wrote the legendary Lions coach in his column for The Telegraph..

"A bit like the Premier League vs the old First Division, there is a line there and people only seem to remember back to it. 

"In fact, the more pertinent date is probably 1995 and the advent of professionalism. Rugby before then was very different and it is difficult to compare players of that era to the ultra-fit, versatile athletes of today - although there were exceptionally talented players from before that time who would have thrived in any era."

McGeechan on Robinson: "I think, as much as people loved his electric pace, his sidestep and his raw athleticism, it was his professionalism which really impressed me. When he made the transition to union, he really took the time to learn and understand what was needed."

McGeechan on Guscott: "One of the best players I ever coached; just a confident, natural player, smooth runner, nice passer and underestimated in defence. He shut people down very effectively."

McGeechan on Wilkinson: "You would have to put Jonny ahead of Owen Farrell because, while they were similar players, I think Jonny really broke the mould. He was the first to show the 100 per cent dedication which went into goal-kicking and tactical kicking, the physicality which could be brought to bear from 10. Farrell has those attributes, too, but in the end Jonny won a World Cup and was as good off both feet. Honourable mention for Rob Andrew, a county class cricketer and excellent player."

McGeechan on Leonard: "Ultimate team-mate. Ultimate Lion. Rock solid at the scrum (on either side) and just a brilliant character. Jason is the sort of player any good team needs, as much what he brings off the field as on it."

McGeechan on Johnson: "I don’t think you will find many arguing against this pick. Martin was one of the greatest leaders world rugby has known and his career was absolutely extraordinary. The only credit I can take in it is that I picked him as captain first, on the 1997 Lions tour!

I knew from playing against Leicester with my Northampton team just what an incredible competitor he was, and what presence he had. It was a reasonably controversial pick at the time given his age and experience but Fran and Jim Telfer were soon on board. Martin was the ultimate leader of men, without having to say much at all."

McGeechan on Itoje: " He has cut out many of the avoidable penalties and now when England are up against it, you are seeing the best of him. Against Ireland this year, for instance. Ball carrier, spoiler, competitor, excellent line-out operator, and very good hands as well. Also a natural leader. Maturing."

McGeechan on Dallaglio: "Very, very close between Dallaglio, Tim Rodber and Dean Richards. You could build a convincing case of any of them and I wouldn’t quibble with anyone who does. But I have gone with Dallaglio, as I say, on the basis of that combination with the other two. A natural ball carrier and a wonderful physical specimen, Lawrence was a pleasure to coach and a devastating man to have on the field."