Vickery knows the tough task England face against Tonga

England v Tonga
Parc des Princes, Paris
Friday, 28 September
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Live on BBC Radio 5live and the BBC Sport website

England captain Phil Vickery insists he is determined not to dwell on being a replacement against Tonga and, instead, prove his worth to the team.

Tight-head Vickery is available after a two-game ban for the must-win Tonga tie as Matt Stevens keeps his place.

"Obviously I'm very disappointed. You want to be in there," said Vickery.

"I have got the opportunity to, hopefully, go out there and prove to people what I can do. I just have to be as positive as possible about it."

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England beat Samoa 44-22 in their last game and Vickery, who was banned for tripping, has failed to force his way into coach Brian Ashton's starting line-up ahead of Stevens.

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"Matt Stevens has come in and done a great job and I have the utmost respect for him and the coaches," said Vickery.

Martin Corry has captained the side in Vickery's absence.

Vickery also shrugged off talk on who will wear the armband if he does make an appearance.

"We need to win a game of rugby and all the rest of it does not mean a great deal," he added.

"If we are winning then it doesn't really matter. I just want to get on and try to play some rugby."