Wednesday 2 September 2015 13:02, UK
Stuart Lancaster has warned George Ford he will have to keep on performing to retain his position as England fly-half.
Ford has been retained for Saturday's clash with Ireland at Twickenham knowing he must deliver against the RBS 6 Nations champions if he is to start the World Cup opener against Fiji on September 18, with the pressure growing from Owen Farrell.
Operating behind a back-pedalling pack, the 22-year-old struggled in the 25-20 defeat by France in Paris and has been told by Lancaster that Farrell is pressing hard for a return as England's playmaker in chief.
"It's tight. George is in the position at the moment but Owen has been training exceptionally well. He is back to his very best for me," Lancaster said.
"His defence, his game management and his attacking game have been the best I've seen. He's pushing hard.
"We've a lot of faith in George because he has been exceptional for us, but this is another big game for him because Ireland have a very good kicking game and our kicking game needs to be spot on."
Ford, who seized Farrell's position as England's preferred No 10 during the Six Nations, knows he can not afford to under-perform against Ireland.
"It's tight. Owen is constantly going out there and trying to be a better player. He's a great trainer and leader in the team," Ford said.
"He goes out there and plays consistently well and I see that as a positive. I have to raise my game. That's a great position to be in because you always want someone pushing you."
