Paolo Odogwu has the ‘X-factor’ to increase England’s attacking threat

“Paolo’s a bit of a guy we saw at the end of last season,” added Jones. “He’s got power, got a bit of an X-factor in power. We’re looking for another centre or winger who has that and he’s been consistently dynamic in being able to break lines.”

Whether Odogwu will have enough opportunity to demonstrate to Jones that he is the right option to start against Scotland at Twickenham on Feb 6 is not yet clear, but the fact that England must develop their attacking game from their autumn campaign suggests he has a chance.

The inclusion of Harry Randall, the Bristol Bears scrum-half who also qualified for Wales, was the second tip of the cap from Jones to the need to broaden his side’s attacking prowess, increasing the pressure on incumbent Ben Youngs.

That it could be seen in a Covid-reduced squad of 28 that three scrum-halves is something of a luxury, suggests that Randall, like Odogwu, has seriously caught Jones’ eye.

“We’ve been watching Harry for a long time now, at least two seasons,” Jones added. “He continues to develop his game and his running and his initiative in attack is the thing that’s really caught the eye. We’re really pleased with his development.”

The problem for Jones is that the first forming moments for this squad will be taken without his presence, given that he is currently self-isolating in a hotel room at the Lensbury because his forward coach Matt Proudfoot tested positive this week for Covid-19.

“We will make do with what you can,” Jones added. “At the end of the day, you are only judged by your performance. There is no use talking about the things you can’t do or the things you would like to do, you can only worry about the things you can do.”

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