Former England full-back and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Iain Balshaw has suggested that the squad is lacking members with "the X-factor" after coach Stuart Lancaster refused to select players from the French league.

The 36-year-old, who played for Biarritz Olympique from 2009 before retiring in 2014, has argued that the England squad for this year's tournament is weaker for not including France-based players.

"I'd like to see a few more guys in there with the X-factor. I think you should have your best team on the pitch," Balshaw told Reuters.

"The guys in France, they are playing for some of the best clubs in France, but Stuart is the guy who makes the rules.

"Unfortunately Stuart has set his stall out early and has not picked the players he could have picked."

Balshaw made 35 international appearances for England, scoring 65 points.