Luther Burrell admits he is already dreaming about returning to the England fold during the 2015 RBS 6 Nations after seeing injury previously curtail his international involvement.
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Centre Burrell played in all five of England’s 2014 RBS 6 Nations games scoring three tries, but missed out on the start of the autumn internationals due to a hand injury.
And when he was fit to return England head coach Stuart Lancaster instead opted for differing combinations of Brad Barritt, Kyle Eastmond, Owen Farrell and Billy Twelvetrees at 12 and 13.
All this means that Burrell hasn’t been seen in an England shirt since losing to New Zealand on June 21, something he is keen to change.
“I was very disappointed to miss out through injury. But that’s all external for me because I need to get my consistency back,” he said.
“I know the Six Nations is not too far away. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be involved but all I can do is concentrate on playing well here.”
Despite not playing for England, Burrell was deemed fit enough to turn out for Northampton Saints during November.
And after starring in a 23-19 victory over West Midlands rivals Leicester Tigers last time out – playing a key role in two of his side’s three tries as they battled on despite hooker Dylan Hartley having been sent off – Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder is adamant the 27-year-old should be handed a starring role in next year’s RBS 6 Nations.
“If England don’t pick him I don’t think he’ll ever get selected for England,” Mallinder said. “Without a doubt he has to go to the Six Nations.
“It [against Leicester] was an outstanding performance. At times we needed someone to carry and get into the heart of them.
“He’s been good since coming back from injury and has been outstanding over the last few weeks. I’d have him in my England team.”
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