Vickery calls for greater variety

PHIL Vickery has told England to make better use of their “embarrassing” array of talent or risk defeat by a rejuvenated Wales.

- ALEX BYWATER

Eddie Jones’ England were beaten by Scotland in round one and failed to hit top gear in victory over Italy. Wales haven’t been at their best either, but have beaten both Ireland and Scotland.

Jones last week said his team have struggled to hit the levels of aggression he requires because of the absence of a crowd and Vickery sympathises.

But the 2003 World Cup winner expects a lot more from England, who he says lack variety.

Vickery told TRP: “England look very samey. That’s not always a bad thing, but it is often seen that way when you’re losing. I look at the talent England have and they have the most amazing players.

“The depth of talent in England compared to other nations is embarrassing. The Simmonds brothers, Joe and Sam, are not even in the England squad, but it looks to me like England are always doing the same thing.

“I’m a proud Englishman and 90 per cent of what England are doing is really good. But they need to keep improving because they’re going to come up against a stubborn team in Cardiff.”