Phil Vickery has warned England boss Martin Johnson and his fellow props that he is on a mission to win back his place.
Former skipper determined to win back England place
Phil Vickery has warned England boss Martin Johnson and his fellow props that he is on a mission to win back his place ahead of the World Cup.
The former England captain was omitted from both the elite and Saxons squads for the forthcoming campaign - with Dan Cole and Paul Doran-Jones among those moving ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 34-year-old Vickery had missed the end of the season and the tour Down Under after recovering from an operation on his neck.
However the 'Raging Bull' is back to full fitness and determined to prove to Johnson and Co that he deserves his place by making life as uncomfortable as possible for his rivals.
Desire
Vickery, capped 73 by England and five times by the British & Irish Lions, told
Sky Sports News:: "If Martin Johnson thinks I am going to smile, pat him on the head and say, 'well done and fantastic for what you've done' then he has got another thing coming.
"This boy wants to play hard to get back involved in the England team. If that desire ever stopped then I would just pack my bags and go home now, but I am not going anywhere.
"I don't fear anyone. I don't fear anyone in that England team and I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure I'm in contention. If not playing, I'm going to make sure the guys in front of me are doing everything they can.
"The World Cup is a huge thing. I believe England have a good chance to go there and do something.
"I've been privileged to have been part of it before and I want to make sure that this old boy does everything he can to get there again."
