Lancaster: England now have X factor

Stuart Lancaster insists England now have more players with the ‘X factor’ in their ranks than at any other time in his three-year reign as head coach.

Among exciting gamebreakers in the backline are centre Jonathan Joseph and wing Anthony Watson, both of whom crossed in last Friday’s 21-16 win over Wales to crown superb displays.

Lancaster believes it takes players with exceptional skills, such as the footwork of Joseph and Watson or the speed of wing Jonny May, to make the difference at the highest level.

When asked about the number of X-factor players at his disposal, Lancaster said: “I do think we have more now — guys like Joseph, Watson, Ben Youngs and George Ford. And further down the line there will be others who come into the equation like Manu Tuilagi, who has been developing a tactical perspective while he has been injured.”

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Twickenham clash with Italy, Lancaster is particularly enthused by Watson, the side-stepping Bath threequarter who showed flashes of brilliance at the Millennium Stadium in just his fifth Test cap.

“I believe Anthony could be exceptional for us. He’s still growing and he’s still only 20. He’s been a real find in the last six months,” said Lancaster, who has named an unchanged starting XV and bench for Saturday’s clash with Italy.

Joseph’s return at outside centre has brought a new dimension to the attacking options in England’s backline with his beautifully-taken try against Wales suggesting the 23-year-old is at the peak of his powers.

“I was happy to get that moment, but I can’t dwell on it too much and keep looking back on it. I need to keep putting the performances in, week in week out,” Joseph said.

Meanwhile Scotland’s Jonny Gray was sitting at home last year when Wales handed Scotland their heaviest ever RBS 6 Nations beating — but tomorrow he looks to take revenge for his nation.

Glasgow lock Gray said ahead of Sunday’s Murrayfield rematch, he said: “We’re very much part of a team in this camp, so even if you are not playing or not part of the squad you still watch on as a fan.

“Even though I wasn’t involved in that game last year I still felt the pain of that result.

“Everyone feels it when you lose a game like that — but hopefully we can get a result this weekend.”

Both Vern Cotter’s side and Warren Gatland’s men will be desperate to reignite their Six Nations hopes after suffering opening-day defeats.