Ashton, who took England to the World Cup final last year, is tipped to include the likes of emerging Wasps duo James Haskell and Danny Cipriani.

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Rugby: S Africa wary of England ... also emphasised his plan to retain a core of experience, after the retirements of four former captains.

England's first match is against Wales at Twickenham on 2 February.

With Martin Corry joining Jason Robinson, Mike Catt and Lawrence Dallaglio - all ex-England captains - in international retirement, Ashton says he is mindful of the dangers of picking too many youngsters.

"There's no point throwing youngsters in the deep end at once and telling them to sink or swim, because they would sink without trace," he said recently.

"The key word here is potential. We have a lot of very exciting individuals playing regularly in the Premiership, but there's a big difference between that - or the Saxons, come to that - and international rugby.

"There are some highly experienced players who did a job at the World Cup and who want to continue playing for England. Those people have to come under consideration."

The experienced players Ashton was referring to are likely to include the likes of rejuvenated lock Simon Shaw and scrum-half Andy Gomarsall.

Former Great Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell is another with plenty of big-match experience, although much of it is in the 13-man code, and the 32-year-old says he has no intention of quitting the international stage.

"Being picked for England is out of my hands but as far I'm concerned I'm enjoying every minute of playing," said Farrell.

"I feel my best rugby union is still ahead of me. I'm still learning and getting better with every game I play.

"I'm becoming a lot more confident every time I take the field."

England have a raft of new names staking their claim for a place in the squad.

Cipriani and Haskell, who both featured in England's pre-World Cup squad before missing out on the final selection, have both been in sparkling form for Wasps.

Elsewhere, Gloucester's injury-prone winger James Simpson-Daniel, Bath full-back Nick Abendanon, Leicester winger Tom Varndell and Sale scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth are all in contention.

In the pack, Gloucester prop Nick Wood and number eight Luke Narraway have impressed, while Sale flanker Magnus Lund and Leicester flanker Tom Croft could also make the squad.

And there is the intriguing possibility of overseas-born players Lesley Vainikolo, Glen Jackson and Riki Flutey, who have all qualified for England on residency grounds, for Ashton to consider.

But Bristol number eight Dan Ward-Smith and his club team-mate Shaun Perry are set to miss out because of injury.

Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan is also sidelined with a shoulder injury until March, but club colleague Mike Tindall should return after missing the World Cup through injury.

(BBC)

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