Jonny Wilkinson has backed David Strettle to be a fixture in the England squad for many years to come after the Harlequins winger enjoyed an eye-catching debut against Ireland.
Strettle was a late inclusion in the team for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash after Jason Robinson withdrew with a neck injury and he capped a confident, all-action display with a brilliantly-taken try.
The 23-year-old was targeted by Ireland’s kickers but dealt with the pressure well and was one of few England players to emerge from Croke Park with any credit.
And Wilkinson said: “He had a great debut. It’s fantastic that he has kicked off his England career and I am sure he will have a long and successful one.
“He has been lighting up the Guinness Premiership with the way he has been playing. He is a massive threat and I am delighted that he got over for a try.
“He came under a lot of pressure with just two days to prepare for one of the biggest occasions that he will face and he did very well.”
Strettle returned to his day job on Monday with Harlequins, preparing for Saturday’s Premiership trip to Leicester and believes he is a better player for the experience.
“It was frustrating to get beaten by such a margin but experiencing that atmosphere and playing for England has definitely helped me develop as a player,” he said.
“It was a massive occasion but I felt comfortable playing there and it was pleasing to get on the scoresheet.
“I got lots of advice from people and I just tried to keep my head down and play my natural game.”
It has been some rise for the sports coaching graduate from Sheffield Hallam, who only last season was playing in National League One for Rotherham.
Strettle joined Harlequins in the summer and has scored seven tries in 10 Premiership games this season, including a hat-trick against Newcastle.
He represented both the England Sevens – Strettle is set to be named in the squad for the Hong Kong tournament next month – and the England Saxons before Saturday’s Test debut.
Strettle said: “I’m just taking things as they happen at the moment. I’ve come a long way in a short space of time.
“It was a dream come true [to play for England] and I enjoyed it but we’ll just wait and see what happens from now on.”
