England skipper Kyran Bracken has claimed that skill levels in the European game are still too low.

Bracken will lead his country into battle in the second Test against Canada in Burnaby on Saturday attempting to extend a winning run to 10 internationals. During that time manager Clive Woodward has transformed the once-staid image of his team - employing a variety of specialised coaches to get the most from his players.

But though there is specific work done on defence, line-out throwing and goalkicking, the fundamentals of passing are left to general training sessions. And, in the attempt to challenge the southern hemisphere in the 2003 World Cup, Bracken feels more work must be done, especially day-to-day with the clubs.

"English rugby has moved ahead in so many areas, pace, power and variety of play," he said. "But one problem definitely afflicting all European teams is that skill level has not advanced as far as the other countries. It has remained stagnant for the past 10 years and not enough is being done to address it."

Though the English Premiership now produces a faster, more physical game than at any stage in rugby union history, attacks are often thwarted by poor passing and an inability to kick properly in tight situations.

"In a sport where all 15 players are now expected to contribute in both attack and defence, Bracken feels the day must come when an entire team can excel in the basics, with Saracens team-mate Danny Grewcock the prime example.

Grewcock is challenging hard for a second row berth in the Lions Test line-up and Bracken feels one of his major advantages is that he can spin effective long passes off both hands. "Danny worked so hard on his passing over for almost a year to get up to his current standard," he said.

"Anyone can do it if they have that kind of determination. Brian Ashton has mentioned it over here and perhaps it is something we will look at in the future. You would hope that in the final minute of a World Cup final, any player, be it prop or full-back, would be capable of putting over a drop-goal or chipping the last line of defence if the chance arose. But generally, from one to 15, the skill level in Europe is pretty low.'"