Strettle – ‘I’m one of the best’

Editor

Saracens winger David Strettle is both hopeful and realistic about his prospects of an England recall for the November Tests.

Saracens winger David Strettle is both hopeful and realistic about his prospects of an England recall for the November Tests.

Strettle scored twice in the win over Clermont last Saturday to back up his good form in the Premiership so far this season.

Last capped by England on the June tour to Argentina in 2013, one of 14 caps, Strettle’s form in the last two seasons has been hard to ignore yet the call from England hasn’t come.

Wing remains an uncertain position for England. Jonny May and Jack Nowell were used during last year’s Six Nations, while Marland Yarde and Chris Ashton saw action in New Zealand.

Then there’s Bath’s in-form flyer Semesa Rokoduguni, along with Wasps star Christian Wade.

Strettle is aware of the high level of competition, but feels right in contention for selection.

“I feel I’m one of the best wings in England and have been playing consistently at this level for a number of seasons,” said Strettle.

“So many wings come and go with England because Test rugby is such a bigger game that you have to have more of an all-round game.

“The sad thing is you get young lads who come in and score tries for their clubs, get put in at the highest level and get exposed, and then people just get rid of them.

“They’ve shown some natural talent in being a good finisher, so teach them the game and stick with them. That doesn’t seem to happen on the wing.

“If they’re scoring tries in the Premiership and not scoring for England, but they go back to the Premiership and keep scoring tries, maybe it’s because they’re not getting the same ball to them.

“Stuart’s done the right thing, he’s had a look at the wings that are out there and I hope that leading up to the World Cup he’ll pick the best ones.”