That has resulted in the Tigers duo having to prove their worth in domestic action and were both heavily involved on Sunday as Leicester edged outchampions Saracens in a thriller at Vicarage Road.

Centre Tuilagi played 80 minutes for the second game running while Flood kicked four penalties before Ireland international Geordan Murphy kicked a late drop goal for a 20-19 win.

Their return to form – and fitness – is welcomed with England set to face Wales in the RBS 6 Nations on Saturday and Cockerill believes they should be considered for selection at Twickenham.

“Manu had a long lay-off with injury but he’s now played two 80 minutes and was still charging for the line at the end. Manu is a very good lad, very professional but he's also 20,” said Cockerill.

“You make wrong calls when you are growing up and you learn from them. Manu is a lad growing up who is also a very exciting player.

“Floody had a torrid time in last week’s disappointing defeat at Exeter and showed his quality with those penalties.

“England have done well with the guys they have, so how they may or may not fit in those two is, happily, not my problem.”