Bath coach tips Sam Burgess to excel for England

Sam Burgess deserves a call-up to the England squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup, according to Bath head coach Mike Ford.

The rugby league convert is expected to be named in Stuart Lancaster's pre-World Cup training squad tomorrow, and Ford believes that he has the temperament to succeed.

He told BBC Sport: "The influence he has and leadership, he always talks about putting the team first. He has the type of attitude that says - when the pressure is on - 'give me the ball, we'll be alright'.

"I think playing with George [Ford] every week, playing with Kyle [Eastmond] every week has helped Sam as well. Going into England those guys will bring out his skill-set more often than not."

Burgess started his rugby union career as a centre but has switched to flanker in recent weeks.