Former England centre Jeremy Guscott believes Stuart Lancaster should drop Saracens winger Chris Ashton ahead of the Six Nations.

Guscott, who won 65 caps for England between 1989 and 1999, says Ashton's lack of tries and poor defence means Gloucester's Jonny May and Bath's Anthony Watson should be given a chance.

Guscott told BBC Sport: "He (Ashton) is recognised more as a poor defender than a try-scorer at the moment.

"Just like a goalscorer in football, if you are not scoring, then the questions start, and it becomes a question of when do you drop him?"

He continued: "Watson has pace, a good step, is fresh, keen and ambitious. May is also in form and inexperienced, but these young guys have no fear and carry no baggage.

"I'd give Ashton a break. It would make him keener and he is still scoring tries for Saracens.

"If the younger guys don't work out, things could quickly change."