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Luther Burrell can solve England dilemma says Mike Catt

Friday 21 August 2015 16:11, UK

Luther Burrell runs with the ball during an England training session
Image: Luther Burrell wears the No 12 shirt for England in Paris

Mike Catt has urged Luther Burrell to solve England's World Cup "centre dilemma" by simply being himself.

Burrell will partner Jonathan Joseph in midfield when England play France on Saturday, a reunion of the pairing which was coach Stuart Lancaster's preferred choice in the Six Nations.

But they have been put under pressure to perform by the displays of Sam Burgess and Henry Slade in last week's warm-up game against the French at Twickenham.

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Stuart Barnes believes France won’t be able to cope with England when they go head-to-head in Paris on Saturday

The centre pairing is proving the greatest headache for the England management as they attempt to whittle down their options in the position from six to the four slots available in the 31-man squad for next month's tournament.

Burrell has been handed a starting spot at the Stade de France where he will lock horns with France's Wesley Fofana and Mathieu Bastareaud, and Catt wants to see the powerful Northampton Saint seize his chance.

The dilemma is simple - six into four won't go
Mike Catt

"We're looking for some good stuff from Luther - we just want Luther to be Luther. No one understands the centre dilemma better than Luther," England's attacking skills coach said.

"The dilemma is simple - six into four won't go, or maybe seven (fly-half Owen Farrell) into four won't go.

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"When you have the likes of Henry Slade and Sam Burgess playing so well on their debuts, it definitely heightens the decision.

"And it's up to us to make the right decision and get a good balance, both at centre and throughout the rest of the team.

"Luther had a very good Six Nations and played exceptionally well alongside Joseph.

Mathieu Bastareaud (C) and France's centre Wesley Fofana (R) react after the Six Nations match between France and Wales on February 28, 2015
Image: Bastareaud and Fofana will test England's centres

"We scored some very good tries in that tournament and hopefully they can rekindle the fire they had in that competition.

"It's their opportunity to go and shine. It's tough coming to France and playing against the likes of Fofana and Bastareaud, but they've played against them before."

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