ENGLAND under 20s head coach Steve Bates hopes to be able to add “supreme pace” to his pack with the inclusion of Ted Hill to his World Rugby U20 Championship squad.

But Bates admits it is up to national boss Eddie Jones whether the Worcester Warriors blindside flanker features in this summer’s competition.

Hill helped Bates’ side reach the final of last year’s tournament in France and captained the team in this season’s Six Nations.

But the 20-year-old has also been part of Jones’ plans as he won his first senior cap when he came off the bench against Japan in November.

England will announce their world championship squad next Tuesday and Bates hopes Hill will be available to travel to Argentina in June.

“We would like to think that we would have him but it depends what Eddie Jones feels about that,” Bates said.

“If you add Ted to this mix it gives you supreme pace in the pack.

“The good thing is that we have got pretty much two players in every position who can really contribute which is a necessity when you are going into this World Championship.”

Hill’s inclusion in Warriors’ Gallagher Premiership matchday squad to face Gloucester at the weekend meant he missed last Friday’s 35-8 win over the South Africa.

Warriors pair James Scott, 19, and Kai Owen, 20, both impressed Bates and pushed their case for a place on the plane to Argentina.

Only 12 months ago Owen was overlooked by the England Counties Under-20s selectors.

But the loosehead prop starred for Worcester Cavaliers at the end of last season and was given a second chance in Warriors’ academy.

“Kai has been absolutely fantastic,” Bates said.

“From when I saw him early season playing Premiership Shield rugby to coming into the Six Nations, carrying the ball, running freely in open spaces and looking confident.

“Importantly he can scrummage too at a good level. There is still lots of work to do but he’s a very good prospect.

“Sometimes it’s about luck and getting opportunity.

“If you get a few games for Warriors in the Prem Shield you grow in confidence and you get the opportunity to be coached by more knowledgeable coaches.

“In Kai’s case it’s just snowballed.”

Scott played in last year’s world championship and was an England regular in this season’s Six Nations.

“We have known Scotty for a while,” Bates said.

“He came through the world championships last year and he runs the lineout really well which is a crucial role.

“He does that role with real certainty which is important for a team particularly when you have people coming in and out all the time. You need someone to be rock solid there.

“He’s worked hard at other areas of his game.

“He’s much more physical which is going to be a factor if you are going to play second row at the top level.

“You have got to be robust and he’s making really good progress.”