Gareth Ellis delighted to have avoided a ban, now geared up to face France

Gareth Ellis: will be back in Super League next season with Hull FC

England forward Gareth Ellis is grateful to be getting another game in 2012 after avoiding a suspension.

The former Wests Tigers second rower faced an anxious 48 hours after being put on report for a high tackle on France full-back Cyril Stacul during last Saturday's 44-6 win at Craven Park.

However he was told on Monday he would face no further action, meaning the 31-year-old is able to win his 21st England cap in the re-match against the French in Salford.

"I've not played that many games this year," said Ellis. "I'll take any opportunity to play for England, it's the biggest honour you can get.

"I've really enjoyed the series so far. I hadn't played for six or seven weeks with Wests not making the play-offs and I've actually not played many games because of the foot injury that I had.

"It's been great to be back representing England and playing alongside some of the boys I've not seen for a while."

England's comfortable victory at the weekend means they are heavy favourites to win the final of the triangular tournament that also involved Wales.

But Ellis - who will be plying his trade back in Super League next year with Hull FC - insists there is still more to come from Steve McNamara's side as they continue their preparations for the 2013 World Cup.

"I think France will have learned a lot from that game. They'll be wanting to improve, as well as us, so it's set for another big game," he said.

"In a way it's probably a good thing that we're playing France back to back because it gives us a big focus on areas of the game we need to work on."