Greenwood is another of Sir Clive Woodward's tried and trusted performers who was always going to be in the squad as long as he could prove his fitness.

He was out for four months after damaging a shoulder but timed his recovery to perfection, making his return just in time to be selected for the tour.

Greenwood is, say the critics, short of form and match fitness yet he has 'been to the well' enough times for Woodward to know just what he will produce in New Zealand.

A veteran of two Lions tours, being picked to travel to South Africa before he had played for England and making four midweek appearances in Australia in 2001, Greenwood is a constant threat for any defence and his strong-running style makes him a hard man to halt when in full flow.

His predatory style stood England in good stead in the 2003 World Cup as he scored important tries against South Africa and Wales and often looked the only member of the three-quarters - apart from Jason Robinson - who could break down tight defence.

Capable of snatching a try in the tightest match - thereby changing the whole tenor of the game - with his incisive breaks and quick thinking, Greenwood has the uncanny ability of spotting even the narrowest gap in a defensive line and possesses the pace and awareness to capitalise.

Earlier in his career he was plagued by injuries but the son of former England coach Dick Greenwood remained a valuable member of the England set-up and will hope his recent problems are just a one-off rather than a return to those bad old days.