"The game’s greatest player" - Michael Lynagh names his all-time England XV

A number of big names miss out, with Richard Hill, Neil Back, Will Greenwood and Mike Tindall among the absentees.

Lynagh, whose son Louis has played for England U20, picked his team for The Telegraph.

Read on to see Michael Lynagh's all-time England XV.

15. Jason Robinson: “What the league convert lacked in size, he made up for with lightning speed. Robinson’s footwork made him England’s most exciting attacker of his generation. Also scored England’s only try of the 2003 World Cup final against Australia.”

14. Rory Underwood: “England’s all time top try-scorer with 49 tries. Underwood was a predator, who shone for the Lions as well as England.”

11. Ben Cohen: “'Big Ben’ brought beef to England’s backs in the Clive Woodward era, and was a reliable finisher. Cohen scored 31 tries in 57 appearances and won the World Cup in 2003.”

13. Jeremy Guscott: "You could make an argument for the two Wills – Carling and Greenwood – at centre but you can't leave Jerry Guscott out."

12. Mike Catt: "Catt's dynamic range of skills allowed him to to play in four different positions along England's backline. Adaptability and intelligence never better displayed than at the 2003 World Cup."

10. Jonny Wilkinson: “Obvious highlight was the winning drop-goal against Australia in 2003, but Wilkinson was arguably the game’s greatest player in the build-up to that tournament, which is rarely said of an Englishman in any sport.”

9. Matt Dawson: “The prototype scrum-half bossed arguably England’s greatest ever pack. Dawson provided consistent service and always managed England’s game efficiently.

1. Jason Leonard: “The first Englishman to win 100 international caps. Leonard rode the professional transition and won Grand Slams, a World Cup and a Lions tour. Incredible durability for a front row forward.”

2. Brian Moore: “The gnarly hooker was known as the pitbull. Moore was never afraid of backing out of confrontation and was a great leader.”

3. Jeff Probyn: "A perfect technique allowed Probyn to dominate bigger opposition in the scrum. Probyn set the standard for many props who followed in his path."

4. Martin Johnson: “The World Cup-winning captain was England’s greatest leader. A giant physical presence in the scrum helped Johnson become the most feared lock in the game.”

5. Paul Ackford: “A former policeman, Ackford provided authority and presence in the engine room of the scrum. Brilliant in the line-out, too.”

6. Lawrence Dallaglio: “Widely regarded as one of the finest back-rows of the modern game. Dallaglio had an all-round skill set as well as a talismanic presence on the field.”

7. Peter Winterbottom: “Back row was a nightmare – Richard Hill, Neil Back and Mike Teague are three pretty good players to leave out – but I’m backing my selection. As a fly-half I would imagine life might get pretty lively with Lawrence Dallaglio and Peter Winterbottom on your case all afternoon.”

8. Dean Richards: “The sock-round-ankles forward had the ability to control the pace of a game. Richard’s power helped him become a dominant force from the back of the scrum. Great rugby brain, too.”