England players near world class, insists Jones

Eddie Jones insists England have failed to produce a world class player since Jonny Wilkinson, but believes a number of his Grand Slam winners are close to ending that barren spell.

Jones is preparing his team for a test of “manhood” against Argentina at Twickenham tomorrow in the penultimate international of an autumn that could conclude with a record-equalling 14th successive Test victory.

World player of the year nominees Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola and fly-half George Ford — each of whom start against the Pumas — are three England stars pushing hard for inclusion in a global XV.