Stevens made his England debut in 2004 and has won 32 caps

Matt Stevens has targeted a place in England's 2011 World Cup squad when he returns from a two-year ban next year.

The prop, who tested positive for cocaine in December 2008 while playing for Bath, is set to join Saracens when his suspension ends in January 2011.

And he believes he can resurrect his England career in time for the World Cup eight months later in New Zealand.

"For my own sanity that has got to be the goal," the 27-year-old told BBC 5 live's Sportsweek programme.

"I'd like to play in the next World Cup but obviously there's a lot against me.

"But I'll be prepared and hopefully with the training I'm doing right now I will be in a position that I will be in the best shape of my life, so I'm going to give it every chance I can."

Under the ruling of his suspension, Stevens is not allowed to train with Saracens until his ban ends on 19 January, but he is keeping himself fit and working with a jiu-jitsu instructor to put him in the best possible shape to start playing immediately.

606: DEBATE Will Stevens get back in the England squad?

"I've taken on a strength and conditioning trainer and I've also been working with a wrestling coach," he added.

"I've been doing a lot of work with a guy who's a world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

"It's based around working with the floor which in my position is integral but it's also about not being taken to the floor, so it's helped my core stability and flexibility.

"So I'd like to think I'd be fully fit to go. I'd like to be able to be up for selection as soon as possible. I'd hope that as soon as I hit the ground I'll be in a Saracens shirt."

Stevens made his England debut against New Zealand in 2004 and has won 32 international caps.

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