Future England Internationals : Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:44 am
Watching the England game at the weekend, it got me thinking.Saints have fewer representatives in the England than usual, probably on the back of a couple of disappointing seasons.
With a few good signings in the bag, we're hoping that we can perform better as a club next year. If we do, who do we think will be knocking on the door of the England squad for internationals next year?
Johnny Lomax is our star, but plays in the most competitive position for England, with Tomkins, Hardacker (sp) and Ratchford.
However, Hardacker will get negative points for his actions this year and Ratchford will probably move to 6 given Briers retirement.
Lomax should get taken in the squad as minimum 2nd choice full back with added utility value. If we have a good season, he may also be able to convince that, because of his potentially better ability with kicks, he's got a decent case to start (that would take a season free of injuries and a good campaign by saints, though).
Given Eorl Crabtree's omission from the England squad, you'd say prop forward was a very competitive position, but T Burgess and Mossop aren't exactly untouchable. We have Walmsley, Amor and, if he continues his form from the end of the season, LMS who could all make serious claims on a prop forward shirt for England.
Are there any other guys you expect to be challenging in the next year or so?