Jersey's in-form Matt Banahan

JERSEYMAN Matt Banahan is in the England squad for the autumn internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand next month.

The 22-year-old’s form in the summer, when he made a try-scoring debut in England’s win over Argentina at Old Trafford and also scored in a narrow defeat in the return in Argentina, plus his Heineken Cup form for Bath, deservedly clinched his place.

Indeed, such was the impact that the former Jersey RFC man made in his top-flight opportunities that it would have been a surprise if he had not been included, even without the injury crisis that manager Martin Johnson now faces.

The withdrawal from the senior squad of Harlequins No 8 Nick Easter due to a calf injury has robbed England of virtually half their first-choice team for the entire series.

But Johnson is adamant England will still be competitive against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand next month, despite injuries to several players.