England coach Woodward will be at the helm of the Lions in 2005

England boss Woodward will lead the Lions to New Zealand in 2005 but there have been fears of English domination.

But Beaumont told The Times newspaper: "People have talked about the Lions being an English Lions team.

"Clive will pick the best players and they'll be the Lions team. That's the way it has to be."

The players know who's best - the guys aren't stupid Lions manager Bill Beaumont

England's World Cup win in Australia in November and their dominance in last year's Six Nations suggested that the Lions party - traditionally made up of players from all four home unions - would comprise mainly Englishmen.

But Beaumont's argument was furthered by England's shock 19-13 defeat to Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

And he stressed that players from Scotland, Wales or Ireland would not be selected purely to balance the nationalities.

It's difficult to pick a predominantly English squad after the showing so far this Six Nations Have your say on Scrum V

The former Lions lock added: "The players know who's best. They'll know if he's picked them to make up the numbers from any given nation. The guys aren't stupid.

"When I played it was mainly Welshmen in the side. The thing goes in waves.