Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster says Harry Ellis did his Six Nations chances no harm following his performance against Portugal.
Scrum-half makes try-scoring return after suspension
Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster reckons England manager Martin Johnson will have a "decision to make" regarding Harry Ellis after the scrum-half's performance against Portugal on Friday.
Playing for the first time since returning from a six-week ban for a spear tackle on Dan Carter late last year, the Leicester number nine scored twice as the Saxons romped to a 66-0 win.
Lancaster said that Ellis might play once again when England's 'A' side face their counterparts from Ireland next weekend.
However, the player himself will doubtless have other considerations on his mind - the impending Six Nations and England's first match in the competition, against Italy, which also takes place next weekend.
Lancaster said: "I've got to speak to Jonno over the weekend but there's a chance he could play for us again next weekend.
"It was a quick-tempo game tonight and Harry showed what he can do.
"He used the six weeks to work on his conditioning and with another game behind him in Donnybrook next week, it will obviously be a sterner challenge for him.
"That will set him up nicely and leave the senior coaches with a decision to make."
On a bitterly cold night in Stockport, Ellis broke the deadlock after 20 minutes with England proceeding to run in five tries in each half.
Ellis' Leicester team-mates Tom Varndell (two), Matt Smith and Jordan Crane also got on the scoresheet along with Adam Powell (two), Noah Cato and Dominic Waldouck.
Challenge
Lancaster also took time to praise Varndell, whose struggles with injuries and a loss of form have seen him lose his place for both club and country.
"We set him a goal of 10 carries and I think he did that in the first half, so I'm pleased in that regard," he continued.
"He also scored a couple of nice tries and Tom's challenge now is get back into the Leicester side and from there, he can hopefully kick back onto the international scene."
Lancaster declared himself pleased with his side's efforts and will make wholesale changes for next week's trip across the Irish Sea.
"It will be an exciting side to coach next week but I've been delighted with the way this group has bonded and gelled together," added the former Leeds Carnegie boss.
