BATH’S numbers in the England squad swelled to five with the inclusion of full-back Anthony Watson this week – and head coach Mike Ford believes more could join them as his club’s star continues to rise.

England U20 ace Watson, 19, was called in for training with the senior squad, who are preparing for their second autumn Test against Argentina on Saturday, in Surrey this week.

Watson returned to the club fold ahead of the LV= Cup opener at Sale Sharks on Friday night (7.45pm), with centre Kyle Eastmond and lock Dave Attwood also released, but Ford backed national head coach Stuart Lancaster’s decision to introduce the youngster to the top-level England environment.

Hooker Rob Webber and prop David Wilson, the only Bath player to feature in England’s EPS squad last season, remained with the national set-up ahead of the Twickenham clash against the Pumas.

Ford, who will also have fly-half Tom Heathcote back from Scotland duty to start against Sale, said today: “It’s great for Anthony.

“Stuart is obviously looking at the long-term potential with him and the World Cup in mind.

“Whether they look at him to be involved in the Six Nations or summer tour I’m not too sure, but he just needs to keep on doing what he is doing.

“I agree that England have done the right thing. Get him in the camp as early as possible so he can get used to the environment and when he does get selected for real he is not intimidated by anything and he is relaxed. It’s a good call by the management.”

Bath have made a hugely-encouraging start to the season, with seven wins in nine matches and are third in the Aviva Premiership, the sort of form Ford believes could lead to more of his squad being recognised.

“I think over the next 18 months it could be that we have quite a few,” added Ford.

“As an England selector you naturally pick from the teams that are winning because they have the best players and are successful. That’s why the likes of Leicester and Northampton have had that continuously.

“The players understand that. If as a team we are playing well, then as an individual you have got more chance of playing for England.

“We will just keep our heads down as an organisation and just carry on doing what we are doing.”

Leroy Houston is poised to return from a shoulder injury - sustained in the league defeat at Sale last month - to start at number eight against Sale in the LV= Cup opener, but Wales and British Lions star Gavin Henson has tweaked a calf and will not be involved.

Ford, who is also set to start with Martin Roberts at scrum-half, added: “There’s no tear in it or anything but when you are a little bit older, calves are usually very fragile so we’ll just keep him out this weekend, but he should be in contention the week after.

“It’s not looking too shabby and it’s only the long-term injuries. Olly Woodburn is back training with us and he should be back soon.’’

Bath United will host Sale Jets in the Aviva A League semi finals on Monday, November 25 (7.30pm) after finishing top of the Southern Conference. Tickets for the match are free, but will be limited and can be booked from Thursday morning.

READ MORE FROM FORD AND OLLIE DEVOTO IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND AT WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT