Dowson in England squad

Phil Dowson remains in contention to face Ireland on Saturday despite being knocked out in the closing stages of the 24-22 victory over France.

Dickson one of eight players released back to clubs

England number eight Phil Dowson remains in contention to face Ireland on Saturday despite being knocked out in the closing stages of the 24-22 victory over France. Dowson collided with France centre Wesley Fofana and he was lying prone when England team-mate Tom Croft stood on his face. But the Northampton number eight has been retained in a 24-man England training squad that will prepare for Saturday's Six Nations finale against Ireland at Twickenham. England's interim coach Stuart Lancaster has included both wing David Strettle, who missed the France game with a chest injury, and his replacement Charlie Sharples. As a result, Harlequins scrum-half Karl Dickson is one of eight players released back to their clubs this weekend, including Leicester fly-half Toby Flood. Lancaster will confirm his starting line-up to play Ireland when he names his match-day 22 on Thursday. England's 24-man training squad: Forwards: M Botha (Saracens), A Corbisiero (London Irish), D Cole (Leicester Tigers), T Croft (Leicester Tigers), P Dowson (Northampton Saints), D Hartley (Northampton Saints), J Marler (Harlequins), B Morgan (Scarlets), T Palmer (Stade Francais), G Parling (Leicester Tigers), C Robshaw (Harlequins), M Stevens (Saracens), R Webber (London Wasps).
Backs: C Ashton (Northampton Saints), B Barritt (Saracens), M Brown (Harlequins), L Dickson (Northampton Saints), O Farrell (Saracens), B Foden (Northampton Saints), C Hodgson (Saracens), C Sharples (Gloucester Rugby), D Strettle (Saracens), M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers)