Ian McGeechan is surprised Josh Lewsey has been axed from the England squad to face the Pacific Islanders and backed him to return later in next month's Tests.

The London Wasps back discovered there is no room for sentiment in Martin Johnson's regime when he was one of eight players released back to their clubs ahead of this weekend's EDF Energy Cup fixtures.

Lewsey, a key member of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, had been expected to feature at Twickenham in 11 days but has failed to convince his former captain he has recovered from an early-season slump in form.

McGeechan, however, is convinced his versatile three-quarter will play some part in at least one of the other Tests against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

The Wasps director of rugby said: "We're a little bit surprised to have Josh back. He has played really well for us, particularly since moving to the centre. The important thing for us and for England is that he is playing well now. Josh plays in more than one position so it's good we can call on him. I would be very surprised if England don't mix and match over the four games and give Josh his chance."

Lewsey's departure from the squad puts 22-year-old Bath full-back Nick Abendanon in line for a third cap at Twickenham on 8 November.

Bath's Olly Barkley was the other surprise omission, leaving Riki Flutey of Wasps to battle it out with Leicester's Toby Flood for England's inside centre shirt.