Chris Robshaw is almost certain to captain England in this year's Rugby World Cup, according to head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Lancaster has, until now, delayed naming his captain until just before each series, but he has broken with tradition to name Robshaw as his leader for the tournament seven months early.
He told reporters: "It would take a big change of heart now to move from the direction we are going with Chris. Chris has been excellent and we need to continue to back him. We certainly will in this Six Nations and, fingers crossed, he will be fit and available for [the World Cup training camp]."
Robshaw has been England captain since Lancaster took the job in 2012, and led England to a 21-16 win over Wales in the opening game of the Six Nations.
The World Cup starts in September, when England play Fiji.
