Andrew deliberately looked for serious matches over the summer

England director of rugby Rob Andrew says the summer tour of Argentina will be treated seriously despite the absence of players on Lions duties.

Eight England men have made the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of South Africa.

Andrew told BBC London 94.9: "World Cups come around pretty quickly and we're only two years away.

"We really need to be looking at homing in on those players that we think will make it through to the 2011 World Cup."

Andrew also sees the tour as marking an important stage in manager Martin Johnson's rebuilding plans.

He said: "We knew that players would be missing but it gives us a chance to look at our strength in depth and to see some of the next generation of players coming through.

"Obviously those players who have missed out on Lions selection will be disappointed, but it gives them a chance to keep playing at a very high level with England."

Andrew is mindful that "the clock is ticking" towards the next World Cup but is pleased with the progress Johnson has made as he approaches the end of his first year as England manager.

He said: "Personally, having worked very closely with him, I think it's gone very well. I think he's brought some stability, he's brought some direction, some leadership and he knows where he's going with this.

By the end, against France and Scotland, the side was really taking shape and I think that's given everybody a lot of confidence England director of rugby Rob Andrew

"It's been a difficult first year because, obviously, November was pretty tough with the opposition we had in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, but I think we all saw signs in the Six Nations just where the team was going.

"A few problems, mainly discipline, against Wales and Ireland led to those defeats but by the end, against France and Scotland, the side was really taking shape and I think that's given everybody a lot of confidence."

With the elite player squad due to be announced next week, Andrew also expanded on the thinking behind the decision to give the public greater access to the England players by holding an open training session.

He said: "We did it last August when we got the first squad together. We had an open training session at Twickenham and it was fantastic - there were more than 3,000 people here.

"The players loved it. It gave a real sense of purpose to them for the training session and they stayed and signed autographs for hours after the game. Jonny Wilkinson, I think, was here for about six hours still signing autographs."

The open training session takes place at Twickenham on Wednesday, 20 May from 1500 BST.

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