Smith being selected shows just how short of centres we are, we should have brought Senior and Gleeson back. We have very little experience in our backs I believe McGuire will be the most experience at international level back in the 13 and that will cost us.

Name me four better England qualified centres available for selection?

Where he's going after this tournament is irrelevant. You pick your strongest side to win the competition you are in.

Just checked the Wasps first 15 and Lee is on there now?

The wasp site states" Moving from Rugby League's Leeds Rhinos in the forthcoming month of November, Lee Smith will find himself running out as part of the Black and Gold army for the new season. Having spent seven seasons with the Rhinos he will embark on a new set of challenges within Wasps and Rugby Union. " in November?

End of, after the Four Nations final.

Lets compare shall we...

FB =redBriscoe, =greenSlater, Gidley
W =redFox, Hall =green Hayne, Lewis
C =redShenton, Smith, Bridge, Sykes =greenInglis, Hodges, Morris, Jennings
SO =redMcGuire, Tompkins =greenLockyer
SH =redMyler, Eastmond =greenThurston, Cronk
PR =redPeacock, Graham, Morley, Burgess, Crabtree, Carvell =greenCivoniceva, White, Hannant, Shillington
H =redMoore, Roby =greenCam Smith, Farrah

SR =redEllis, Westwood, Wilkin =greenHindmarsh, Watmough, Thaiday, Waterhouse
LF =redO'Loughlin, Sinfield=green Hoffman, Gallen

Let's not - were it not for the props I'd be reaching for the revolver.

Not sure whether playing without a hooker will be to our advantage or theirs though.

We look pretty strong up front, but woefully inadequate in the three quarters. Not Smith's fault, I just think we have a horrible lack of centres and wingers of the right quality in this country at the moment. Senior has retired, and I think it's right not to pick him. Somebody needs to fill those shoes now, and it's hard to see who that's going to be.

I think it's to our advantage...now how about we agree to go without the backs too. 5-a-side anyone?

I reckon Smith could be a good contender for FB as well as centre. Briscoe is just Wellens Mk2.

Don't think Sykes or Bridge have done anything to justify selection.

Wouldn't have any qualms with Eastmond playing at wing or centre.

McGuire has to be first choice stand-off though - one of the few players who performed in the WC. I fear Tomkins and Myler will be out of their depth at this level, especially if thrown in together.

Why has Diskin been consistently overlooked by Smith? Roby has done little this season for a one time Man of Steel.

But how old is Rob Burrow - 27?

He's years at the top level left in the tank. Myler/Eastmond should have to earn the right to displace him.

Even accounting for my Rhinos bias, I can't see why England don't try playing Burrow, McGuire and Sinfield together.