Dickens says Saints fly-half Myler is the perfect 10 for England

Saracens star Farrell will miss the entire tournament with a knee injury, leaving Bath’s George Ford, Sale’s Danny Cipriani and Myler to scrap it out for the 10 shirt.

Ford is the favourite to start in the opener against Wales on February 6, having been given the nod in the autumn.

But Dickens believes Myler, who steered Saints to Amlin Challenge Cup and Aviva Premiership glory last season, deserves to add to his solitary cap.

“Stephen Myler made his international debut a couple of years ago and we’d love to see him kick on,” said the defence coach. “I’m sure he’s desperate to play in the Six Nations for England and if that happens we wish him well.

“He definitely needs a chance. He’s someone who would go in and I’m sure he’d perform. He can be trusted.”

Christian Day is closing on his first England cap after being promoted from the Saxons to the senior squad as injury cover. And Dickens believes the 31-year-old lock’s call-up is long overdue, saying: “We’re overjoyed for Christian, He was in the Saxons originally and he is deserving of a place in that senior squad. He’s integral to us and it’s the reward for many years of hard work.

“He’s performed week in, week out. He’s spent a lot of time at the coalface and hopefully he’ll get his rewards.”