Warren Gatland has received full England backing in the wake of Lions selection row However, he added that "hand on heart I would never be able to look myself in the mirror if we didn't pick a player who deserved to go on Tour because he was English." It is understood both Gatland and Richardson were present to watch Lancaster and his coaching team review the 12-6 Six Nations victory against Ireland with the squad during the morning session. Gatland then observed a full training session in the afternoon before leaving the camp last night . Former England head coach Dick Best, who was part of the Lions coaching team on the tour of New Zealand in 1993, said he had some empathy with Gatland's original comments that a Lions squad with a lot of English players could led to risks of media "stings or set-ups trying to create controversy." "There is an element of the English media that will go on the Lions tour that will be more interested in off- field events, but that could be said for any English sporting team that tours abroad," Best said. That goes with the territory. During the 2011 World Cup, I am fairly positive that some of the other countries weren't exactly whiter than white but you don't have the pack of media following them around. But I don't think it will prohibit English players going on the tour. In England's defence, I would have to say, under the Lancaster regime, they have done everything they can in order to take the game back to the people and be PC and media friendly. They have been a shining example of what a professional sports team should be. You couldn't fault them. Former England wing Rory Underwood, who was a key member of the Lions tours to Australia in 1989 and New Zealand in 1993, said although had been impressed by Gatland as Lions coach, he was disappointed that the issue had been raised. The way he has carried himself so far has been outstanding and I have been impressed by everything I have heard him talk about but I just felt a bit disappointed [by Gatland's comments]. I can't work out what was the point of it? What does that say to England players? Warren Gatland has coached Wales for ages and I have no doubt he understands the concept of the Lions. For me it all boils down to picking the right sort of players, creating the right environment where you are allowed to play and play together. For me, it doesn't matter if they take a squad of 30 Scots or 30 Englishmen.