The England team to play Canada?
Friday November 05 2004
Captaincy, inside centre and props areas of concern
England coach Andy Robinson will be keeping a close eye on the injury news from this weekend's Zurich Premiership action as he looks to announce his first England Test line-up on Monday.
Already without the likes of captain Jonny Wilkinson, Phil Vickery, Trevor Woodman, Alex Brown, Louis Deacon and James Simpson-Daniel thanks to injury, Robinson can ill afford more squad members sidelined.
Highly tipped to make their England debuts next week are Leicester scrum-half Harry Ellis and Sale winger Mark Cueto and there could be a recall to full XV England honours for Kiwi-born former League star Henry Paul.
Robinson may look to him as a possible solution to England's midfield problems, partnering Mike Tindall in the centres.
The prop situation is also concerning for England, the two preferred looseheads Trevor Woodman and Phil Vickery are out injured and veteran Graham Rowntree is also carrying a knock.
Danny Grewcock could win his 50th cap, a positive end to a difficult week, partnering Bath colleague Steve Borthwick in the second row. With Martin Corry and Chris Jones both possibly in the matchday squad, Robinson may elect for only two specialist second rows.
As for the captain, it is coming down to either Mike Tindall or Jason Robinson, with many backing Robinson for the mantle especially given the need for Tindall to concentrate on leading the midfield.
Sale director of coaching Philippe Saint-Andre has no doubts about Robinson's capability for the job.
"He is very mature and he won everything in rugby league. It is not my decision it is the decision of the coach but I am sure he will play very well.
"He has a lot of charisma and is the man for the job," he said.
Robinson announces his team on Monday November 8.
Our England team v Canada: 15 Josh Lewsey, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Henry Paul, 11 Jason Robinson (c), 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Harry Ellis, 8 Joe Worsley 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Martin Corry, 5 Steve Borthwick, 4 Danny Grewcock, 3 Julian White, 2 Mark Regan, 1 Graham Rowntree
Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson 17 Andrew Sheridan 18 Hugh Vyvyan 19 Chris Jones 20 Andy Gomarsall 21 Alex King 22 Ben Cohen
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