By Rob Hodgetts

England's centre conundrum

Josh Lewsey is ready to solve England's midfield problems, according to his Wasps coach Ian McGeechan.

England are struggling to settle on a centre pairing and in 19 Tests since the 2003 World Cup final have used eight different combinations.

Lewsey, 29, has been used at full-back or wing for England but has been in impressive form at centre for Wasps.

"He's playing outstandingly well and is now a genuine centre option for Andy Robinson," McGeechan told BBC Sport.

England coach Robinson names his 30-man Six Nations squad on 18 January.

McGeechan added: "Andy's now got some options in midfield as well as the back three and as an international coach that's what you want.

"It means he's got some choices and Josh is certainly one of them.

Former skipper Dallaglio is hoping for an England recall

"He's quick, very aggressive, has great running lines, a very high work-rate and is the sort of player that forwards enjoy playing off.

"He enjoys the involvement and the high intensity which I think now is a prerequisite for any midfield player."

Robinson used Newcastle pair Jamie Noon and Mathew Tait in the opening Six Nations match against Wales last year but Tait was quickly dropped for Bath's Olly Barkley.

World Cup winner Mike Tindall returned from injury to partner Noon in the autumn Tests against Australia and New Zealand, while Gloucester's James Simpson-Daniel was given a chance alongside Tindall against Samoa.

But critics have rounded on a lack of creativity among England's backs and Tindall could be the one to make way, with both Wasps' Stuart Abbott and Leicester's Ollie Smith also in contention.

If Lewsey is gven the nod, it could yield a first Test start for Wasps team-mate Mark van Gisbergen at full-back, though the New Zealand-born star was dropped from the squad for November's Samoa game.

Robinson's selection will also seal the immediate future of former captain Lawrence Dallaglio, who retired from international rugby in September 2004 but has insisted he is ready to make a comeback.

It's best to forget the last two Six Nations Martin Corry

England captain Martin Corry, who could be a victim of Dallaglio's return, admitted it was time for England to regain their World Cup-winning form.

England have finished third and fourth in the Six Nations since their Grand Slam and World Cup year of 2003.

But they showed signs of a resurgence with a thumping 26-16 win over Australia and a narrow 23-19 defeat to New Zealand in the autumn Tests.

Corry said: "It's important to get back to where we were.

"It's best to forget the last two Six Nations. The whole squad and picture has changed dramatically after the World Cup and it's been major case of rebuilding and planning for the future.