Stuart Lancaster believes that England now have the "right" players to take England forward following their disastrous World Cup campaign.

The interim head coach made wholesale changes to the Elite Player Squad for the national side's Six Nations campaign.

"We are looking both at the present and just as importantly the future," said Lancaster. "We wanted to get the right balance in potential and experience and giving us the flexibility to play in different ways.

"We need to use the upcoming games to build the collective experience and we are confident we have got the right mix to take England forward into this Six Nations and beyond."

"In line with the selection philosophy about starting new era for English rugby, we have taken the chance to make changes and give players opportunities to be part of the journey towards [the Rugby World Cup in] 2015. We have lost some great players who have worn the England shirt with pride and distinction - Lewis, Steve and Jonny - and we should thank them for all they did. Others haven't been selected and I have met them and explained the reasons why as we look for the next player to step up in that position to take us forward."

England will face their first test with the new-look squad against Scotland on February 4.