Graham Rowntree backs English presence

England forwards coach Graham Rowntree does not believe that Stuart Lancaster's side's Six Nations defeat to Wales will affect Warren Gatland's Lions selection for the summer tour.

However, Rowntree has admitted that Wales, who retained the Six Nations crown with the 30-3 win over England, will be well represented in the squad for Australia.

"Going into that last game a lot of our guys already had a lot of credit in the bank in terms of performances," he told Sky Sports News.

"But what you can say about that last game is that there were more Lions on the field wearing a Wales shirt rather than an England one, but we'll just have to wait for selection. I believe we'll put out as strong a Lions squad as we've ever been able to. I'm confident of that."

Rowntree will meet with Gatland and backs coach Rob Howley to discuss team selection on Wednesday.