Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has spoken of his desire to win his England place back in time for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Care featured in England's defeats to New Zealand and South Africa during the Autumn Internationals before losing his place to Ben Youngs, who went on to help Stuart Lancaster's side to victories over Samoa and Australia.
Youngs is currently expected to be the first-choice number nine for the 2015 Six Nations, which begins in February, but Care is hoping that his club performances will earn him a recall in time for the World Cup, which will take place in England.
"I kind of knew they were going to change things for the Samoa game. It was disappointing to not get back in for the Australia game. It's sport – it shows the strength in depth of the squad, guys putting their hands up wanting to play," Care told Sky Sports News.
"All I can do is go back to my club and play as well as I can. We've got some massive games over Christmas – Northampton in the big game on the 27th, and then more European games. So a lot of games to try to play well in. You want to play in every game, but it's up to the coaches who plays. They pick the team – you've just got to get on with it and try and prove them wrong on the pitch.
"The World Cup is still a bit away so you try to keep it at the back of your mind. But it's hard to do that. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play in a home World Cup. I missed the last Word Cup four years ago in New Zealand through injury so for me just to play in one is just a huge dream. Touch wood, hopefully I'll be there."
Care has won 50 caps for his country since making his debut in 2008.
Barney Corkhill
