We all know that in wigan, the mark of how good a player is, is based on one performance in the reserves.

I'd be surprised if the team didn't have 3 burgesses in by the time the world cup comes around. The two younger ones are monsters.

Not seen Owen, but what do you think about Halley at fullback? He switched from Wales to England.

Those 3 definately won't be in the side. Ainscough will be playing for Swinton or Leigh, Watkins has showed very limited ability so far, likewise Ryan Hall, he has speed and some stregnth but absolutely nothing else. If this is the future I'm worried.

Houghton's better than McIllorum anyway. Don't get the hype about him at Wigan. Doubt either will be in to be fair.

And Tom Briscoe will be in the centres.

The Burgess Twins are not good enough imo! Everytime i see them they fail to impress.

cant agree at all,

Watkins has shown some super touches, he has the speed strength and skill to be one of the very very best, he is still very young and is still making rookie errors, but with more game time and proper coaching he has all the attributes needed

If ryan hall had speed he would be world class, he doesnt, he has decent speed, is very strong, big, and has a great work ethic, his lack of blistering pace will stop him being a truly world class winger, but his size and work rate mean he should have no problem at international level and wouldnt let anyone down,

ainscough is where lee smith was three years ago, he has that obvious eyecatching innate ability to beat a man, that unteachable skill of being through the gap everyone else has just noticed, and is suprisingly strong, but he still has some fundemental flaws in his game, but again he is very young, brought on correctly he could be a truly world class winger

The fact that anyone would even attempt to pick an England team 4 years out from the competition says it all.

He was at fullback when we played cats on the tv and iirc got mom that day, he was also fullback when we played you at your place, he was the one that managed to chase halley down. Been very impressive since he switched to fullback but so has halley and also cudjoe, so there maybe some competition for thatfb spot in 2013 (especially as briscoe will still be playing)all 3 make very good wingers though so i should think they will all get there chance at international level one day.

Agree with you there, been impressed with him since i first saw him, excellent defence and has improved his running from dummy half alot.

Not sure about briscoe only seen him twice and both times he was stretchered off.

Well said Freaky,this lot are living in cloud Cuckoo land.

Is this thread actually serious?

depends what you mean, if by serious you mean english rugby fans on a british rugby forum, discussing the possible future of the england rugby team yes it is. If by serious you mean does anybody think this is what will definatly happen or think it will in anyway influence the future of the english rugby team no it isnt.

Identifying the cream of the talent base early and investing in the time and facilities for them to develop as individuals and as a team is a recognised strategy for success in sport over 4 - 6 year cycles - see the success of the UK swimming and cycling teams or the stability of the England RU team before the 2005 success as case studies

I would suggest that this topic is very serious - I just wish the RFL and England management team were just as serious

Never in a million years.

Owen or halley because they have both been in outstanding form at fullback recently.