Despite admitting that he is unsure as to where Maro Itoje’s future lies on a rugby pitch, World Cup winner Lewis Moody insists the Saracens star deserved his shot at earning himself an England place.

Although Itoje was included in Eddie Jones’ extended squad last week, the 21-year-old is set to miss out on England’s opening Six Nations clash with Scotland on February 6 after being one of ten players released back to their clubs this weekend.

For many the news came as bitter disappointment with Itoje having been earmarked for international stardom since 2014 when he led England Under-20s to Junior World Cup title.

And this season he has blossomed and lived up to the hype with a number of consistently impressive performances that have helped reigning Premiership champions Saracens string together a 12-game unbeaten run that was only ended by Harlequins on January 9.

But while Moody, who won the World Cup with England in 2003, is as big a fan as anyone of Itoje, he admits questions still hang over the 6ft 5in, 18st forward.

“I would have liked to have seen Maro given an opportunity with England because there is no doubt that he has played very well during the Premiership,” said Land Rover ambassador Moody, who was speaking ahead of the annual HITZ awards which take place on February 4th. Land Rover is a partner of HITZ, a programme that uses sport for change, helping youngsters overcome some of lives biggest employment, education and social challenges.

“But the debate over Maro is, is he a back row and is that his preferred position? I would say that he probably doesn’t have the out-and-out pace of a back rower.

“So then is he a second rower? But I would say no. In the stereotypical second row mould he is certainly athletic but is he tall enough, is he strong enough, is he heavy enough to really add weight to that key area.

“But people always criticised Neil Back for not being big enough and it is not until we give these guys the opportunity to play do they prove their worth and you almost can’t not pick him.

“So that is why I would have liked to have seen Maro play because he has been outstanding. I understand why he’s been dropped though.

“He is unlucky to miss out but ultimately when you’ve got that much competition in the back row and second row and you’ve got a guy where you are not quite sure where he fits then he is probably always going to be the one to miss out.”

Ahead of his first game in charge all eyes will be on new head coach Jones as he looks to build England up again after they became the first World Cup host nation to exit the tournament at the pool stages.

And Moody believes Jones’ desire to stamp his own mark on the Red Rose has meant disappointment for Itoje.

“I think a number of players are victims of change and coaches will have their preferences,” he added.

“And I think a number of those guys were questionable within (Stuart) Lancaster’s regime in terms of who was going to play. The new coach has been able to come in and say ‘this is who we want’ and ‘these are the changes we want’ and now they can put their stamp on it and cut away from the Lancaster regime.

“And the appointment of Dylan Hartley is the biggest statement to date that we are away from the previous regime, that this is us and we are making our mark.

“The statement there is he wanted an abrasive, aggressive, confrontational England side.”

Lewis Moody is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover is a partner of HITZ, the sport for change programme, and will be supporting the annual HITZ Awards on February 4th. @LandRover_UK #WeDealInReal