England v Australia - five talking points

England's captain Chris Robshaw will be desperate for a win. Credit: PA

England will seek redemption when their autumn draws to a close against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Here's five talking points heading into the final QBE International.

ENGLAND MUST WIN

There has been an edge to England all week and a clear belief among some within the camp that the criticism endured this autumn has been unjustified. Yet when judged by their own expectations, defeats to New Zealand and South Africa and a flawed victory over Samoa are an unsatisfactory return. The All Blacks and Springboks were convincing winners with late tries in both games flattering England in the three-point losses. Victory over Australia would offer some form of redemption, defeat would amplify talk of a crisis just nine matches out from the World Cup.

MATCH BRAWN WITH BRAIN

Graft and resilience are hallmarks of Stuart Lancaster's England, but tactical naivety has been evident throughout the autumn. They have been too ambitious in the wet and have attempted to play too much rugby in the wrong areas of the pitch. The coaches' frustration at the ability to self-destruct has been palpable and the failings in game management can only be corrected by strong leadership and vastly improved decision-making by the half-backs. The error count must also be addressed and chances have to be taken

ENGLAND'S PACK V AUSTRALIA'S BACKS

A simplified view of the battleground is can England's forwards prove more influential than Australia's threequarters? Graham Rowntree has drilled a pack capable of taking on all opponents, but behind the scrum England are a mess. Australia can still be targeted up front, particularly at the set piece, but produce threequarters capable of breathtaking moments of skill. If England's pack are doing the necessary damage, then keep it tight.

Billy Twelvetrees will get a chance to impress. Credit: PA

SOLVING THE MIDFIELD CONUNDRUM

A fifth centre pairing in six games illustrates the level of uncertainty in what is undoubtedly England's perennial selection riddle. Billy Twelvetrees and Brad Barritt are the latest combination to be tested with Kyle Eastmond and Owen Farrell having tried and failed to make the inside centre role their own. Twelvetrees is now restored at 12 and while he has the necessary strings to his bow, his lapses in concentration have proved costly in the past.

Can George Ford prove himself? Credit: PA

CAN GEORGE FORD DELIVER AGAINST A TOP SIDE?

A superb full debut in the 28-9 victory over Samoa has rightfully earned Ford a second start at fly-half, but showing the same composure and variety against southern hemisphere superpower Australia is now aim for the 21-year-old. The attacking verve and intelligent kicking on display against the Pacific Islanders was in stark contrast to previous contributions from the out of form Farrell and Ford knows a start against Wales in February awaits if he produces once more.