By Bryn Palmer

Guscott is not convinced by Simpson-Daniel's defence

Former England hero Jeremy Guscott has questioned the wisdom of picking James Simpson-Daniel at centre against Samoa.

The Gloucester wing has replaced the more robust Jamie Noon, but Guscott believes he could be a weak link.

"Physically he is not the biggest, but neither was Jason Robinson and he was strong, powerful and his pace over 30 yards was difficult to match," he said.

"Simpson-Daniel has more skill and footballing ability but I think he is weak in defence, especially at centre."

Guscott felt England coach Andy Robinson should have resisted calls to change his side after the narrow defeat to New Zealand.

England make five changes

But he believes personnel changes will only be productive if England change the style which beat Australia and ran the All Blacks so close.

"I wouldn't overly criticise the backline against New Zealand. I would look at the coaches first, not the players," he added.

"I think they are only playing to what they have been told, and the coach has got to have a good look at what is actually going on and how they are playing.

"I think the opportunity should be there for (backs coach) Joe Lydon to say 'Look, your lines of running weren't great, and your execution of your back moves was not done properly'.

"The running lines and the passing are not there yet and the making of space hasn't happened. That is what they have got to be looking for against Samoa.

"Physically it is going to be hard but I would like to think England can match their physicality, and out-think them."