Bracken set to be named England skipper

13 April 2012

Kyran Bracken is expected to be named England captain on Monday to make up for a season of disappointment for the Saracens skipper.  

Bracken was one of the few senior members of the England Six Nations squad to find his name missing from Graham Henry's British Lions party earlier this week.

And his hopes of gaining some recompense through his club were almost certainly dashed yesterday when Saracens crashed out of the play-offs against Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.

Saracens are now relying on Narbonne beating Harlequins in the European Shield final to stand any chance of qualifying for the Heineken Cup next year.

But those thoughts are likely to be put at the back of the scrum-half's mind tomorrow, when he is expected to be named England captain for the three-Test tour to Canada and the USA.

Extensive Lions calls mean Clive Woodward has to dig deep into his playing reserves as he bids to maintain an eight-match winning sequence.

But Bracken is the ideal man to lead the charge and, unlike Scott Gibbs, who has opted not to tour with Wales after also missing out on the Lions tour because he feared his mind would not be on the job, he is fully focused.

"It is every player's dream to play for the Lions and although it was not unexpected, it was still frustrating not be given the chance to go on the tour," he said.

"But being given a place on the England tour to North America would make up hugely for it.

"Playing for your country is also the highlight of your career and it's important for me to also start building again and that starts with the England tour.

"I would love to go as captain. It's been a difficult year as captain of Saracens but I'm used to the downs and I've battled through with the guys.

"I think the squad we'll take out there will be a strong one. It's great for all the guys - we'll get out there and really push ourselves so we are in a position to compete for England places in the autumn."

With Tri Nations duo Australia and South Africa among the challenges to come in November, Woodward must perform a delicate balance between giving youth its chance and preserving a winning record when he names his 34-man party today.

Newcastle can expect a strong representation in the backs, with Dave Walder, Tom May, Jamie Noon and Michael Stephenson all pushing for places, while Kingston Park old-boy Tim Stimpson - a Lion in South Africa four years ago - is set for a recall.

In the pack, Steve Borthwick and Julian White - the two members of England's starting line-up against France earlier this month not heading for Australia - are certain to be included.

John Wells' presence as forwards coach may steer the selectors in the direction of veteran Leicester prop Darren Garforth, whose experience could be invaluable, particularly against the Canadians - difficult opponents on home soil.

Newly-crowned National League champions Leeds have three challengers for places on tour, although lock Tom Palmer is more likely to earn selection than skipper Mike Shelley and scrum-half Scott Benton, whose only previous international came in the 76-0 rout by Australia in 1998.

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