Delon Armitage: On his last wheels
Delon Armitage has expressed his relief at being named in the England side to face Scotland in this weekend's Six Nations clash and admitted that he did not expect to make the side.
The London Irish full-back has been preferred to Ben Foden for the number fifteen jersey in spite of a recent spell that has been marred by both injury and poor form.
Armitage needed to undergo shoulder surgery prior to the tournament and also suffered a rib injury during England's 20-16 defeat to Ireland the weekend before last.
His quick recovery has prompted England manager Martin Johnson to give him another chance at the expense of Northampton's Foden, who impressed off the bench against Ireland.
However, Armitage knows full well that he must impress at Murrayfield on Saturday if Johnson - who admitted on Tuesday that the decisions both to retain Armitage and replace flanker Lewis Moody with Joe Worsley came after "marathon" deliberations - is to retain him for England's final match against France.
"It was a massive relief to be named in the team. I kind of expected not to be in it," said Armitage.
"I haven't had the best Six Nations and after going off injured Ben came on and did a good job off the bench.
"For me to get another shot to try and get back to the form I showed last year is a good opportunity.
"But obviously I need to start showing something. Foden is right there behind, he's been playing really well for his club, and the management and coaching set-up know he's ready.
"I could almost say I'm on my last wheels, this is my last chance.
"I need to start showing some improvement because I think I just haven't been playing well enough.
"I probably have been too impatient but I need to get into form as soon as possible because I don't want give that 15 shirt up. I know Ben is right there.
"If I don't show some improvement I think I'll lose the shirt very soon. But I know there is a performance in me.
"I'm not going to be negative. I'm a confident player and I have a job to do for the boys. I want to do it to the best of my ability and I will do everything I can."
England's attack coach Brian Smith acknowledged that Armitage is not currently at his best.
"We are happy with what he is doing but there is more to come from Delo," said Smith. "The gauntlet has been laid down."
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