Jones doubtful of England's hopes

Eddie Jones is sceptical of England's Six Nations chances

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones thinks England will struggle in the Six Nations if Martin Johnson continues to select youth and inexperience.

Jones led the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, but was beaten by an England side captained by Johnson.

He told BBC London 94.9: "They've got to stick an older player in there. So if you play a young (number) 10 you put an experienced nine with him.

"You can't go into Test matches with an inexperienced nine, 10 and 12."

I think it's very important that they look at these Tests and see where they need to develop to play against the southern hemisphere sides

Eddie Jones

England enter the 2009 Six Nations Championship having lost heavily to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in their three Autumn Test internationals.

Jones, who is the current Saracens coach, added: "The problem is, when England play the Six Nations you're not going to see their weaknesses exposed because the competition's not high enough.

"So I think it's very important that they look at these Tests and see where they need to develop to play against the southern hemisphere sides because the southern hemisphere sides are at the moment appreciably stronger than the northern hemisphere sides."

England begin their Six Nations campaign against Italy at Twickenham on 7 February.