GEOFF Cooke has blasted the England rugby union squad for "holding their country to ransom" after their threatened strike was averted earlier today.

Worcester Rugby Club's chief executive believes the squad have lost public support after their threats before England's Twickenham clash with Argentina on Saturday.

England players threatened to withdraw their services for the match if a compromise could not be reached over a pay dispute with the RFU.

The former England manager said: "I think the England squad have made a complete pig's ear of the situation with their threatened strike -- they have definitely lost support from the public.

"These players are on £200,000-a-year and they expect more money when playing for their country.

"I'm afraid the average man in the street will have no sympathy with them. When I was England manager we were not paid -- we were in the amateur era.

"The public perception will be that they are trying to cash in on the Australia result and although, from what I understand, this dispute has been going on for a while, the timing has been terrible. It is a very dangerous thing to do when you hold your country to ransom.

"I think they have been given the wrong advice because what they have said is complete nonsense. They have compared themselves to Premiership footballers which is ridiculous. You only have to compare the crowds that the club matches in the two sports attract."

Cooke had said he would make any English Sixways player available for selection if Clive Woodward came calling in the wake of the proposed strike.

Premiership clubs such as Northampton had given their support to the players by insisting they would not release any more stars. However, Cooke said he would help by making players such as former England star Dave Sims available for selection.

Sims won three caps under Woodward two years ago against New Zealand and South Africa.

He added: "Worcester would never prevent any player from playing for his country. If Clive calls me today I will make our English players available."

An eleventh hour deal was brokered with the RFU this morning.

Chief executive Francis Baron said: "I'm pleased to announce that we have reached agreement. The players are now going back to rejoin the squad to prepare for the match on Saturday."

England skipper Martin Johnson added: "We're happy with our deal and we're now going off to train in preparation for Saturday."