Will Greenwood talks up George Ford's England prospects

Former England centre Will Greenwood has suggested that George Ford is now favourite to be named as England's first choice fly-half at the Rugby World Cup.

Stuart Lancaster is due to name his final 31-man squad on Thursday, with big decisions still to be made.

Following Saturday's defeat to France in Paris, which Ford played a full part in, Greenwood believes that Lancaster will still be none the wiser over who gets the nod.

"Two weeks ago before the warm-up games it was Ford but things have changed very quickly," he told Reuters. "I still believe that Ford gets the opportunity against Ireland - but you can totally understand why [Owen] Farrell will have his cheerleaders saying you should pick him."

England's meeting with Ireland on September 5 is their last outing before the showpiece tournament gets underway.