Ashton not guaranteed to start, says Catt (From Watford Observer)

Saracens winger Chris Ashton may not start against Australia, according to England attack coach Mike Catt

5:11pm Tuesday 13th November 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Saracens winger Chris Ashton is not guaranteed to return to England’s starting line-up against Australia on Saturday - according to England attack coach Mike Catt.

The 25-year-old was suspended for the 54-12 victory over Fiji on Saturday in which England started with Charlie Sharples and Ugo Monye on the wings.

Sharples took his opportunity, scoring two tries in a comfortable victory while Monye added another in the second half, and Catt has now admitted coach Stuart Lancaster may stick to a winning formula.

Catt told Sky Sports News: “The guys are on top of their games and to be honest it’s about making sure what is the best team for us to beat Australia this weekend.

“If that means changing it, we will, if it doesn’t, we won’t. Certain guys put their hands up at the weekend and performed well so there is no reason why we should change it.

“Ashton doesn’t have to come in. He’s got a lot of credit for the way he has played. Hopefully he has learnt his lesson and won’t do the things he has done which put him in a spot in the first place.

“We have a very important training session this afternoon and if he comes through that and plays well with the attitude we know he can have, he is definitely in with a shout.”