Eddie Jones has revealed that cracks have appeared in his England squad, admitting his side’s “complacency” about unity has contributed directly to their disastrous slump in form.

Jones, who has included Danny Cipriani and eight uncapped players in his 34-man squad to tour South Africa, also voiced his belief that English sportsmen are more prone to “selfishness” as he attempts to lift his side following three successive defeats that condemned them to their worst-ever Six Nations finish.

The Australian clearly believes certain individuals avoided their responsibilities as England finished fifth in the Six Nations after defeats to Scotland, France and Ireland, and his words serve as a clear warning ahead of a daunting tour.

Jones would not identify the culprits but instead made it clear that a similar lapse in standards would not be tolerated despite a national culture he believes makes players more prone to put themselves first.

“It [England’s] is a sporting environment here that is based around selfishness, about individual gain,” said Jones, who has worked in Australia, Japan and South Africa, as well as England. “We are constantly battling it. We got complacent about unity without a doubt [in the Six Nations]. It always happens. Whenever you’re going well everyone’s together at the front of the bus, everyone’s got their shirt off, everyone’s singing the song.