England should recall Toulon flanker Steffon Armitage for the Rugby World Cup this year, according to ex-international Brian Moore.
Armitage won European Player of the Year last season, but he is not permitted to feature for his country as he plays outside of the UK.
However, his strong form in France has led many to call on head coach Stuart Lancaster to bring him back into the international fold, and Moore agrees that it is now time, as he can improve their current back-row.
He told the Telegraph: "England's back-row is hard-working, and individually the players selected are all good international forwards. However, as a unit they do not match the best back-rows they will face in the World Cup.
"Given the fine margins that will separate teams anything that can aid England's effectiveness can only be good. Hitherto, I have not been convinced by the playing case for Steffon Armitage but I think that it is, by omission, made now.
"A back-row of Armitage, [Chris] Robshaw at six, and Tom Wood or Billy Vunipola at No 8 would be better balanced and compelling."
Armitage has five England caps so far.
