Eddie Jones wants Zach Mercer to continue working hard
Zach Mercer has earned his place in the England squad
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England coach Eddie Jones has urged Bath number eight Zach Mercer to continue working hard and show his willingness to do the things that hurt" after he was named in the Six Nations squad for the tournament opener against Italy.
Mercer will be among the eight-uncapped players named in the 35-man squad and with Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes sidelined with injuries, the 20-year-old has a bright chance to make it to the starting line-up on 4th February.
"He's a good young player but he's got a lot of work to do on his game," said Jones.
"He's done a hell of a lot in the period that we've picked him from November to now. He's got to continue working hard.
"He's got some nice natural skills that allows him to be selected in the first place. Now it's a matter of his hard work, his attitude, his willingness to do the things that hurt."
The England squad was hampered by injuries and suspension with Vunipola likely to miss the entire tournament while Hughes is expected to return at some point during the campaign.
Jones also is looking to explore the option of trying Jack Nowell at outside centre and has not ruled out the option of playing Manu Tuilagi at some stage during the tournament.
"We know we've got JJ [Jonathan Joseph] and Henry Slade there, Ben Te'o is another option, but we'd like to look at Nowell at 13," he said.
"I'd like to see him get fit, Leicester would like to see him get fit and that's what we're hoping is going to happen.
"If he does that then he has a chance to get selected.
"He's looking sharper every week. He's had a long time out of the game and needs to find that sharpness because when he moves up to international level the requirement for that is even stronger.
"His attitude has been first class. There might be a stage during the Six Nations where we bring him back in."
