This is my Lions team – with Caelan Doris over Maro Itoje as captain

Will Stuart and Jac Morgan — Will Stuart, left, and Jac Morgan, right, would be worth their spot if the first Test against Australia was on Saturday

In picking this Lions team, I have done so on the basis that it is for a Test match to be played against Australia next Saturday. If it were for a Test in July some currently injured players would come into contention, such as Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu, and someone like Tadhg Furlong, who only made his first appearance off the bench against Italy on Saturday after struggling with a calf injury.

Instead, I have used the last two rounds of the Six Nations like they were trial games, so the selections are based around form and what players have achieved over the past four years. I have also tried to consider what Andy Farrell is thinking. Selection is always a matter of opinion and for me past performances come into consideration and the relationship you have with some of the players.

We saw England get stronger as the championship went on. Ireland, who at one stage looked on course for the Grand Slam, were not at their best in the last three games. I thought on Saturday there were about 20 players who were playing for potential Lions tour places. And remember, this is only one man’s opinion. To pick your own Lions squad, use Telegraph Sport’s selection tool.

I was really impressed with Ellis Genge against Wales. I thought it was one of his best games for England. He is a player who I have found frustrating in the past, when he has gone in and out of games a little bit and messed around at scrum times. I thought he was really focused and carried well. But Porter edges it. He is a strong scrummager, who may not always be popular with referees, but he has been aware and made technical improvements. And I like the strong provincial and national partnership with the hooker I have gone for.

Sheehan has that X-factor as a hooker. He scored a hat-trick of tries against Italy, is a big man who is also quick and can cause problems in some of the wider channels with his running game. He is also ruthless in getting the job done at the back of mauls. He is almost like another back-row forward.

Like a good wine, tighthead props tend to improve with age and Stuart has been one of the players of the championship for England. He has scrummaged well, demonstrated moments of good footwork and scored a try against Wales. Previously a player you would not be worried about playing against, he has really stepped up over the past two months. Still it is a tough call on Zander Fagerson, who I picked for the last tour in South Africa. And obviously Furlong comes into strong contention when he gets his match fitness back.

I think Maro has played some of his best rugby of the past three or four years during this championship. I felt there was a period where he had plateaued a bit and 12 months ago, I was a little bit worried about him because I knew he was quality and wanted to see him dominate the international stage. He is doing that now. It looks like the England captaincy has been good for him and I really liked the way he spoke to and dealt with referees during the Six Nations.

I know that in the second-row position there are so many players in contention: Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Ollie Chessum, Grant Gilchrist and I have a huge amount of time for Daf Jenkins. I think he is going to be an outstanding player. But with McCarthy you get that ball-carrying physicality that can really cause some damage. He is a big man and you want to get the ball in his hands.

It could easily have been Ben. A toss of the coin. They have both been brilliant for England. Tom probably edges it with his experience. I think he has really matured. There have been times when he was guilty of giving away dumb penalties or making poor decisions, but we are not seeing that any more and I am really pleased for him in that regard.

There are so many outstanding back-row forwards to pick from, it is about trying to get the right balance. I thought Jamie Ritchie had a good tournament, too and I really like the look of Henry Pollock. I remember seeing him making a huge impact off the bench for Northampton Saints a couple of months ago, and thinking he was something special. He might just be the type of player Andy might think, ‘let’s just take a punt on him’ as a bolter.

A selection from the heart. I know the strength of the competition – Josh van der Flier, Rory Darge and the Currys – but I love what Jac can do on both sides of the ball.

He might have been a little bit quiet in the last couple of games, but he has been an outstanding forward for Ireland over the last two or three years and has a strong relationship with Andy. I think he will captain the team as well. Ben Earl is there but England have a back row where they can all slide around, while Taulupe Faletau has come back from injury to remind us of what a class player he is. Jack Conan is quality too.

There is real competition from Alex Mitchell. I look back on my notes when we did this exercise before the last World Cup, and I mentioned about him being in the Lions frame. Some people looked at me sideways but then he ended up getting called up by England for the World Cup and ended up being the starting No 9. But Gibson-Park has been really impressive. Antoine Dupont has been the best scrum-half in the world over the past few years, but I don’t think Gibson-Park has been too far behind. His kicking game is visionary, and he is probably disappointed more than anyone in his performances in the last two games. But Andy will know what he can deliver for him.

What edges it for me is his experience and calmness at the minute. I have been really impressed with Fin Smith, and George Ford came on at the end of the game on Saturday and showed his quality. It is no secret that I am a massive Marcus Smith fan and I would have him in my 23 because he is the type of player who can change a game in a moment. And then you have Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley so there are plenty of choices.

A big, physical player. He might not have been at his best against Italy but has proven he knows how to score tries and I thought that decision on Saturday was tough when his try was ruled out. There was a lot at stake there and there was no need for the touch judge to put his flag up unless he was 100 per cent certain. He also has a great left foot and Ireland use that cleverly with their exits.

I found the midfield positions the most difficult to select. I have been impressed by Tom Jordan, and I would start Sione Tuipulotu if he were fit. But with Bundee you know he will get you over the line.

I think he will provide a potent combination with Bundee. I don’t think we have seen any outside centres really put their hands up and demonstrate that X-factor we would have seen from Brian O’Driscoll and Jonathan Davies when they were in their prime. I thought Tommy Freeman looked really good and I can see him being a centre going forward. Ollie Lawrence would be an option if he was not injured while I don’t think we have seen the usual spark from Garry Ringrose or Robbie Henshaw this season.

He has been a dangerous player for years and offers power, finishing and tries. I have also been impressed by Darcy Graham because of his footwork and involvements and there was a promising first start for Tom Roebuck.

This was a straight choice between Hugo and Blair Kinghorn. Another tough call. Kinghorn has got better and better and playing at a special club is bringing the best out of him but Hugo has been one of the most consistent high performers over the last two or three years. His work-rate, and GPS numbers, are through the roof. And he scores tries. I think he deserves to be there.

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