Sir Clive Woodward© Photo by Tom Dulat - iRB/iRB via Getty Images

Sir Clive Woodward has labelled England's policy of not picking those based overseas as "old-fashioned" and "misguided".

The Rugby Football Union only picks those overseas in 'exceptional circumstances' and Woodward has frequently called for the organisation to relax those policies and include the likes of Nick Abendanon and Steffon Armitage in the England set-up.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail Woodward applauds Australia's decision to relax their overseas players policy and says "it leaves England looking old-fashioned and they need to react. Stuart Lancaster must be free to pick his best players, no matter where in the world they ply their trade."

Citing the example of Jonny Wilkinson who enjoyed a remarkable spell at Toulon, Woodward says he would have picked him had he still be in charge of England and also backed Abendanon and Armitage's inclusion.

"As England coach you will be judged on your World Cup performance, even more so as the home team," Woodward writes. "That's where you have to deliver the results and selecting your best starting XV is the first thing you have to get right, without exception.

"When it comes to the big games, the other England players will want to have the best possible squad available. Every player, fan and Englishman wants England to win the World Cup and it starts with picking your best team. When it comes to a home World Cup, you don't want to be left talking about 'what ifs'.

"England players deserve to go on to the field knowing they have been given the best chance of winning. Do the squad truly believe this when such talented players are not considered? They shouldn't be left to doubt they are playing only because of their home address.

"This isn't about being disloyal to the clubs. They benefit from a winning England team, especially in a World Cup year. You simply can't let the RFU or Premier Rugby tie your hands behind your back and dictate who you can or can't pick.

"At Toulon, they've got Bryan Habana playing for South Africa and Leigh Halfpenny playing for Wales. They're among the best players in the world. It's just crazy and misguided not to make any Englishman available for selection. Well done, Australia."