The trouble with him is that if he's not 100% or near it he's awful.
The best players, even off form, have a level they don't fall below - which is still probably good.
Letting the soccer bores get on with their little game my thoughts have turned to the autumn matches and what I'd like to see for England heading towards the World Cup next year - selctions in bold
The front row looks pretty sound with Cole and Wilson coming through (plus young Corbisiero) and the likes of Vickery and Sheridan coming back - the latter maybe for one last hurrah Hopefully Payne, who gets a regular stuffing in the Premiership can be cut loose. Another year under the belt for Hartley will do nicely - Thompson and Mears remain in support.
Sheridan, Hartley, Cole
2nd Row - I was worried about this area for a good while but now the likes of Lawes have come through, with others, and the future looks better. the evergreen Shaw might finally have come to the end. I think Palmer may be a good choice here, but Attwood could come through on the outside whilst Deacon is solid and reliable.
Palmer, Laws
Croft could really take off at the top level now, Moody has such a great motor and, injuries allowing (as with all these) should be nailed down on the other side - if Rees could stay fit it would make things interestting. Easter is quicker than he looks but has been a bit patchy recently. I'd like to see Haskell play more at 8 as he could be very dynamic from there.
Croft, Moody, Haskell
Youngs has jumped to the head of a large pack at 9. Care is still very good and should challenge and there is plenty of young talent around. Ellis maay have a long term injury situation according to today's Time. Flood is the first choice 10 for now, and I'm ok with that. A dark horse could be Alex Goode - very talented.
Youngs, Flood
Centre has been a problem as, due largely to injuries, it has not been possible to field something like the right combo together - so it's very open.
Flutey, Turner-Hall
Flutey missed a lot of last season, but will hopefully enjoy himself back at Wasps. Turner-Hall had a quietish season but I like him in attack and defence - I think they'd be a good partnership. Could easily see Armitage at outside centre as well.
Ashton is a lock for the wing but I have a hunch that Varndell, who as worked on his game and largely elimated the issues he had when younger, would provide a great cutting edge in partnership with him. Cueto may just be losing a step. Foden also seems to have eradicated the errors he sometimes commited in his early days at 15 and now looks very good there.
Ashton, Varndell, Foden
Quite like that side. If the coaches let them roam free they could do some damage.
After the World Cup I would like to see the likes of Attwood, Goode, Cato, and Freddie Burns brought through quickly.