PHIL DE GLANVILLE yesterday urged England colleagues Jon Sleightholme and Tony Underwood to retain their self belief - after all three were left out of the preliminary Lions squad to tour South Africa.

The blow must be all the more bitter after the exhilaration of England's record win over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, when wings Sleightholme and Underwood each scored two tries.

"It is important that players not named in the squad do not start questioning their own ability," said de Glanville, who has skippered - England to scores of 52, 41 and 46 in his three Tests in charge.

"I am disappointed - as are others from any of the four international teams who are not listed. But it was not totally unexpected and I will enjoy whichever tour I do go on." England are due to tour Argentina in the summer.

De Glanville is the only national captain left out and he believes that it will need a drastic change of heart by the selectors for him and others to force their way into the final touring 35.

"The selectors have their views on players and have made up their minds. But you have got to keep playing as well as you can and not get het up about it." They have left a little bit of flexibility, but I am sure that they will not be looking to add anybody else, so it's going to be tough to get in. Still, we have to keep plugging away.

"My main focus is carrying on England's momentum during this fantastic run we are having in the Five Nations, leading Bath and making sure England are progressing towards our important tour to Argentina. Certainly me and Sleightholme can concentrate on Bath and England now."

Lions manager Fran Cotton did not hold out firm hope of promotion for anybody left out at this early stage, though he urged the disappointed players not to get despondent.