I'm not ready to call time on my England career, claims Nick Easter

"I'm definitely not ready to call time on England yet," he said.

"I'm playing some really good rugby and still feel I've got plenty to offer at the highest level. Playing for England is the biggest honour you can get and I still want to be involved."

Easter's prospects of featuring in Lancaster's squad may be hindered by reports that he made the infamous "that's £35,000 down the toilet" comment in the dressing room following England's ignominious World Cup quarter-final defeat by France.

But he feels it would deeply unfair to punish him for a throwaway remark intended to lift the mood.

His World Cup campaign was hindered by a back problem and he was not one of the players involved in the notorious alcohol fuelled visit to a dwarf-throwing night club evening in Queenstown two days after England's opening group stage World Cup victory over Argentina.

Two Harlequins players who look certain to feature in Lancaster's first squad are 21-year-old prop Joe Marler and in-form full-back Mike Brown.

Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell, 20, whose father Andy will leave Saracens to join up with England as backs and defence coach for the duration of the Six Nations, is also expected to be named.

Farrell kicked five penalties from six attempts as Saracens were held to a 15-15 New Year's Day draw at home to Gloucester.

England scrum-half Ben Youngs welcomed the likely injection of youth into Lancaster's first squad.

"I think it will be very exciting if that is the way we're going," he said. "There are so many talented youngsters around the country and with Stu in charge, if we're directed in the right way, hopefully we can play a great brand of rugby - exciting stuff. New faces always bring a new buzz."