 Worsley has topped the tackle count in each of the last three Tests |
England manager Martin Johnson believes flanker Joe Worsley has played himself into the frame for Lions selection after a string of world-class displays. The 31-year-old has taken advantage of his surprise recall, winning the man-of-the-match award against Wales and impressing against Ireland and France. "Joe's been up there as one of the players of the tournament," he said. "He is world-class when he is fit and in good form. Joe has played himself in with a great chance of the Lions tour." Worsley has won 71 caps for England since making his debut in 1999, but initially found his path to a regular place blocked by the established trio of Richard Hill, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio. And the Wasps stalwart has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting XV, moving between all three back-row positions. But since coming in for the inexperienced Steffon Armitage after the opening game against Italy, Worsley - who benefited from injuries to Lewis Moody, Tom Rees and Michael Lipman - has made the number seven shirt his own.  | 606: DEBATE |
"Everyone talks about his tackling but he has also carried the ball well," added Johnson. "His off-the-field demeanour, that quiet confidence he brings to the team, and his experience as a player at this level has been important. Everything about him has been first-class. "Right now he is nailed in as a starter, because at the moment he is fit and in good form. "We were not surprised when he did what he did in Cardiff. "There were doubts whether he could play at seven against Martyn Williams but he did exactly what we wanted him to do and more." Worsley, who made his England debut at the 1999 World Cup, was not selected for either the 2001 Lions tour to Australia or the 2005 trip to New Zealand. This year's tour of South Africa starts on 30 May and includes three Tests against the world champion Springboks.
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