Six Nations 2013: Strettle gets ringing endorsement for England berth

Stuart Lancaster cannot afford to overlook David Strettle for the Six Nations, according to Saracens boss Mark McCall.

Strettle, 29, played a key role in England’s Six Nations campaign last term but having played the last of his 12 Tests against South Africa in the summer, he has fallen down the pecking order.

Since then, Ben Foden, Ugo Monye, Charlie Sharples and Mike Brown have all shared the left wing duties, with Strettle slipping back into the Saxons squad.

Strettle excelled on the left wing in Saracens’ weekend triumph over Sale however, scoring one and setting up another in a 32-12 victory – and McCall is convinced his man should be wearing England’s No11 jersey.

“David Strettle was made man-of-the-match and he was magnificent,” said McCall.

“He’s really relished this opportunity to play on the left wing and England don’t have that many natural left wingers.

“No-one’s been putting their hands up as an out-an-out starter and the last five weeks has seen some of the best rugby I’ve seen from him.”

Lancaster names the new EPS and Saxons squads ahead of the Six Nations on Wednesday and Strettle admits he’s keeping his fingers crossed he returns to the senior set-up.

“They know what they get with me and it is a case now of taking care of the club stuff and be playing so well they can’t say no,” he said. “I’m feeling sharper now and my goal is to force my way back in.”