Former Bath, England & Lions centre

Croft is renowned as one of the quickest forwards in the English game

If I were Martin Johnson, I'd be looking to make three changes to the team to face Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday.

I would have Toby Flood starting instead of Andy Goode, move James Haskell to number eight and bring Tom Croft in at blind-side flanker, keeping Joe Worsley on the open-side.

Croft would add some much-needed zip in the back row. That is a quality that has been lacking so far with Nick Easter looking a bit sluggish and pretty ineffectual at number eight.

At 23 years old, Croft is the younger man, more dynamic and, importantly, in form.

Worsley did a brilliant defensive job against Wales a couple of weeks ago but he needs to rediscover more of an attacking dimension.

He is a big man who has pace as well as staying power, and his complete game needs to be unleashed against Ireland.

606: DEBATE Worsley tenderised the Welsh midfield and made them look one dimensional englandglory4ever

England need to compete at the breakdown and are also in need of dynamic ball carriers

To achieve this, I think Flood has to be included as he is the man to get the England backline purring. When he came on in place of Andy Goode against Wales the whole dynamic of the team changed and suddenly England looked more threatening.

Flood linked well with Riki Flutey and if Mike Tindall, Delon Armitage, Paul Sackey and Mark Cueto can read the moves 10 and 12 are creating, England will be more of an attacking threat.

For me, there is still a big question mark surrounding Steve Borthwick's inclusion in the team. I'm not convinced he deserves his place, let alone the captaincy.

A captain must be first choice and I believe England would benefit more from a player like Simon Shaw who is used more as a ball carrier with Wasps and has a bigger impact at the breakdown.

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