Sir Clive Woodward admits says it's too late to include Steffon Armitage
Monday 30 March 2015 17:50, UK
Former coach Sir Clive Woodward admits it may be too late for Steffon Armitage to break into England's World Cup squad for the tournament later this year.
Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory in 2003, is an outspoken advocate of Armitage and his ability to spark a team but current head coach Stuart Lancaster has never called up the Toulon star, despite him being named European Player of the Year last season.
Armitage’s off-field incidents have not helped his cause, a fracas in a French beachside restaurant in February the latest issue to oversahdow the player’s performances.
And the back-rower could soon be out of England’s grasp if France pounce on their opportunity to swing Armitage’s allegiance their way.
Despite the obstacles, Woodward has consistently called for Armitage to be selected in the England team but even he thinks it is now too late to bring the 29-year-old into the squad, with England scheduled to play just three warm-up games before their opening match against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18.
"I think it’s a bit late for him now," Woodward told Sky Sports News HQ. "I'd have had him in a long time ago, my views are well documented on that.
"I think we needed real competition to Chris Robshaw. Robshaw is a fantastic player but if he’s injured, who does play seven now for England?
"So I think bring Armitage in. They’ve missed their chance. I’m not sure they can bring him in now so late, when he’s just totally new to the whole squad and the whole thing,
"It’s a bit like Manu Tuilagi, you’ve got to move on now. He’s not going to be available, go with what you’ve got."
England will be without Tuilagi as the Leicester centre continues to struggle to recover from a groin injury he suffered in October.
