Phil Dowson is hopeful fellow Cumbrian Mark Wilson can cement a regular place in England’s back-row.

Wilson, who began playing junior rugby at Penrith, impressed for Eddie Jones’ team in their November internationals and won a Sky Sports vote for Fans’ Player of the Series.

Dowson, who grew-up in Caldbeck, had to fight for Test recognition with Newcastle Falcons and Northampton Saints before he eventually won seven international caps.

Now forwards coach at Northampton, the 37-year-old believes Wilson can win the race to England’s No.6 jersey.

“Billy [Vunipola] will probably be an automatic pick at No.8 when he’s back because he’s a class act who does lots of things others can’t, but there are two positions at six and eight and I’ve been really pleased to see how well Mark Wilson’s done,” he said.

“I think he’s done incredibly well and the fact he’s had to work for it by spending a lot of time being outstanding for Newcastle without getting the recognition speaks volumes.

“Now he has got on to that Test stage, he’s excelled as well and just chatting to [England co-captain] Dylan Hartley here at Saints, the fact Mark’s not been in that environment much before and has had to work so hard to get there, rather than having things given to him easily, means he really appreciates everything he’s got in front of him.

“He’s making the absolute most of his opportunity and that sort of enthusiasm is contagious. It’s a really positive thing for the whole squad, as well as his exceptional work on the field.

"He’s been doing it for Newcastle for many years and I hope he’ll keep doing it for England, but the competition is exceptionally strong at the moment.”

One-time Wigton player Dowson also predicts Sam Underhill is ready to compete with Sale twins Tom and Ben Curry to become the world’s best No.7.

“Both the Currys are absolute menaces over the ball and, when you look at guys like Michael Hooper and David Pocock, who’ve been the best in the world, the Currys, along with Underhill, have the potential to step into that ranking,” Dowson told The Rugby Paper.

“They’ve got the ability to change the game because they’re such a threat to opposition attacks.”