Test greats Michael Lynagh and Will Greenwood believe England coach Martin Johnson must reshuffle his midfield if his team are to mount a successful World Cup campaign.

Former England centre Greenwood, a member of the 2003 World Cup-winning side, believes the balance of Johnson's midfield was exposed during last Saturday's lackustre defeat to Wales in Cardiff.

Johnson has attracted criticism in some quarters for favouring the robust centre pairing of Mike Tindall and Shontayne Hape, with Leicester's Manu Tuilagi waiting in the wings.

However, Greenwood believes England will pay the price if they continue to favour brute strength over guile.

"The balance isn't quite right," said Greenwood. "I don't think you can carry three big lumps," he added, referring to Tindall, Hape and Tuilagi.

Greenwood does however believe that England's problems are fixable before the World Cup kicks off next month.

"You get one chance in a knockout stage and they've got to find a way, they've got to find a way to turn those chances into tries," he said.

"However, we're not on Mars here. We're round the corner from nailing it."

Australia's 1991 World Cup winner Michael Lynagh meanwhile Johnson should experiment by playing one of his two flyhalves, either Jonny Wilkinson or Toby Flood, to play at inside centre.

"I quite like the idea of Flood and Wilkinson playing together," Lynagh said.

"Take your pick, 10 or 12. They both know each other very well, they've got great passing games. They both kick well."

Lynagh and Greenwood were speaking at the announcement of plans for the December 3 "Heroes Rugby Challenge" match at Twickenham which aims to raise money for armed forces charity Help for Heroes.

AFP