Dylan Hartley’s grip on the England captaincy is beginning to relinquish according to Jason Robinson – who believes the naming of co-captains for the autumn internationals marks a changing of the guard.

Since Eddie Jones’ appointment three years ago, Hartley has been his right-hand man – leading the 2003 World Cup winners to two Six Nations titles and a historic 3-0 win in Australia.

But England’s form, as well as Hartley’s place in the side, has come under intense scrutiny this year following a poor Six Nations campaign and summer series defeat to South Africa.

Jones has therefore named Owen Farrell as a co-captain along with Hartley for the autumn, insisting it has become a two-man job.

But Robinson suspects it is the beginning of a transition and expects the Saracens fly-half to take full control long-term.

“Dylan Hartley is older and so maybe this is part of the handing over of the baton. Owen is the long-term option so maybe this is a transition,” he said.

“I think Dylan will be fine with that. You could toss a coin for the leadership between Dylan and Owen and both would do a great job.

“But Dylan is a pro, he won’t be upset and I think he will work very well with Owen. It’s an exciting partnership.

“While they are down as co-captains, you have a lot of captains on the field. The captaincy is just a thing on paper, it is everyone’s responsibility.

“You don’t just look to one or two players to bring that leadership – it has to come from across the board and from every position to make their jobs a lot easier.

“Both Dylan and Owen have great leadership skills so I am sure they will flourish in this new role.”

With the 2019 World Cup in Japan now less than 12 months away, the scramble is on for a place in Jones’ final squad.

Injuries have played their part, especially in the forwards, and Robinson insists they have a tough autumn ahead.

New Zealand, Japan and Australia also visit Twickenham but the former full-back believes results do not matter – it’s all about performances.

“Their confidence looked so low in the Six Nations so now it is all about building that back up and regaining that swagger. They can do it. You don’t become a bad team overnight and there is no doubt Eddie Jones will have them fired up,” he added.

“There is a lot expected of them. Hopefully they have learned and can turn things round. The autumn internationals are about performances more than results. That is what we need to see from England.”

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