Bath head coach Mike Ford has claimed that Sam Burgess can force his way into England's training camp ahead of the World Cup.

After switching codes to join Bath, Burgess spent most of his time at centre before recently moving into the back row, and Ford believes that his versatility could attract Stuart Lancaster's attention.

"I think Sam should be in England's wider 45, definitely," Ford told reporters.

"When we moved Sam to six I was pretty much certain Stuart Lancaster would pick him in that wider squad regardless of where we were playing him, because of his leadership qualities.

"Now though I think Stuart looking in will probably think this is an added string to his bow that enhances his selection - because now he has proved he can play two positions."

Lancaster will announce his 45-man training squad on May 20.