Steve Borthwick desperate to win back England place

26/07/2010

Steve Borthwick is desperate to play for England in front of fans with Twickenham tickets in the future.

The former captain has been axed from England's Elite Player Squad, despite leading Martin Johnson's side in 20 of their last 23 Test matches.

A knee injury ruled the Saracens lock out of last month's tour to the southern hemisphere, in which the team managed a creditable 1-1 series draw with Australia despite losing the first Test.

Borthwick told the Telegraph he was "incredibly unhappy" to learn that he had been relegated from the squad, but pledged to win back his place in the side for international matches watched by fans with Twickenham tickets.

"It is my responsibility now to play well for Saracens to change their minds," the 30-year-old remarked. "I want to be in the England team more than I can put in words."

He went on to reveal that the telephone conversation with Johnson in which he discovered the news had not been an argumentative one.

Posted by Liz Johnstone