Don’t write off Chris Ashton for England, says Mark Cueto
Sale star Cueto reckons the pair are in pole position to kick-off the World Cup against Fiji, but believes there is still time for others to claim the Red Rose jersey, with Saracens’ Chris Ashton heading the list of those he feels remain in contention.
Cueto, capped 55 times by England, told The Rugby Paper: “I like Watson and Nowell but in terms of the current crop, I think they’ve got mistakes and errors in them.
“I was really impressed with Watson in the opening game of the Six Nations against Wales and thought he put in a mature performance. He didn’t do the flash stuff but he defended well and covered the backfield well and I look at that stuff as being really important.
“But he made errors against France and at that level you can’t afford them, even one in a game because they cost you matches and silverware. The basics are always important, whether it’s making tackles, positionally being in the right place or whatever.
“But Watson generally did well and I like the energy Nowell has got. He just gets so involved and I like the way he plays the game. He beats people, he’s brave, makes his tackles and gets off his wing looking for work, but again he can make a few errors.
“He got tackled into touch a couple of times, which is a big bugbear of mine, but if he can refine that aspect of his game, Nowell will in the World Cup frame.”
Cueto does not much rate the chances of either Marland Yarde or Christian Wade making the cut, but believes Jonny May and the vastly experienced Chris Ashton still have a good chance of featuring in England’s World Cup back three.
He explained: “Some players need their clubs to go well and that’s probably affecting Yarde. His form hasn’t been where he’d have liked it to be and it’s hard to see him getting in. But, equally, Quins have been in transition so it’s been difficult for him.
“Christian Wade is absolutely ridiculous in terms of what he can do with ball in hand, but there are still question marks over his defence and positioning.
“Jonny May has got to be one of the quickest guys who’s ever picked up a rugby ball and after the autumn you’d have said he was nailed on for the World Cup while Jack Nowell was a mile away, but now it’s the other way round and May has it all to do.
“May’s still got a chance but the guy I would have in my squad every day of the week is Chris Ashton.
“He’s experienced, his club form could not be better and Saracens win a lot more games than they lose, but for some reason he can’t get a proper run.
“Ashy’s had opportunities under Stuart Lancaster but doesn’t seem to fit into his plans, but nobody’s nailed-on yet so I reckon the guy still has a chance.”
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