Johnson admits selection headache
James Haskell has 19 England caps
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By Adam Leveridge. |  |
Thursday, 16, Jul 2009 10:53
Martin Johnson has admitted it was a tough decision to axe James Haskell from England's elite squad.
The flanker will no longer be appearing in front of the selectors regularly having quite Wasps left season to sign for Stade Francais.
Haskell, 24, was left out of both the elite and Saxons squad having been first choice in the Six Nations.
Johnson said he was spoilt for choice in the back row.
He said: "It is a very competitive area and tough call on James, I've spoken to him about it.
“A lot can happen between now and the autumn internationals. A really tough call, form for your club is what you need to show.
"It's not a case of the 32 being able to sit back, relax and think about November, they have to play well.
"If those guys are playing well for their French clubs and in Europe, then they will have a chance."
Haskell has claimed he was dropped because he left the Guinness Premiership, as Jonny Wilkinson and Riki Flutey were the only players plying their trade in France selected.
"It's been a difficult eight months. I felt a lot of angst over my decision to go to Stade," he said.
"I had an inkling it was going to happen. There was talk that the 'French' guys would not be involved."