There is weight behind the claims for Robshaw to be England captain again having taken over the reins for the first time during the RBS 6 Nations earlier this year and then the summer tour of South Africa.

Hartley should be fit for the autumn internationals despite suffering a small hairline fracture to his eye socket during Northampton’s clash with Wasps on Friday – the prognosis being two weeks on the sidelines.

And, should Lancaster indeed look elsewhere aside from Robshaw, Saints director of rugby Mallinder insists he wouldn’t go wrong with Hartley, who has made 42 appearances for England since making his debut during the 2008 autumn internationals.

“I can’t really talk for Chris Robshaw but I can speak very, very highly of Dylan Hartley,” Mallinder.

“We appointed him captain of the club a few years ago and I think that he has matured as a player, he’s very strong on the field in terms of being a leader and leads by example.

“Hooker is a tough position but he leads from the front. Off the field he’s got the respect of all these players and those around him and he’s definitely a candidate.”