 Cohen is relishing the chance to get on the scoring sheet |
Ben Cohen has vowed to help England to victory by scoring a try against France on Saturday and avenge last weekend's defeat in Marseille. The Engand wing was part of the under-strength side that lost 17-16 to the French on Saturday and has again been selected for part two of the Anglo-French battle at Twickenham this weekend.
The Northampton star told the BBC Sport website: "I desperately wanted to get involved in Marseille but, saying that, I hardly saw the ball all night.
"I may have got it three or four times. That was frustrating but I believe it will be different this week.
"I'm going to do my best to get my hands on the ball as we bid for victory. And to finish off with a try in that win would be the icing on the cake. I'd certainly back myself to do it."
Cohen's last try for England came in the historic 25-14 win over Australia back in June.
But due to the summer off-season he has played just one competitive match since - last week's game in the south of France.
Looking back on Saturday's defeat - England's first in 15 games - he said: "Despite the loss, it was good to get back playing again.
"It felt like my first game for an age and I was desperate to get out there and get my hands on the ball.
"Sadly the game was affected by mistakes which is natural as everyone is super keen to impress and stake their World Cup claim."
Cohen is an automatic shoe-in to Clive Woodward's 30-man World Cup squad, which will be announced on Monday.
But the 24-year-old, who celebrates his birthday the week of the squad announcement, insists his mind is more on Saturday than the tournament in Australia.
He added: "We have been training really hard to overcome some of our mistakes and we simply cannot afford to lose again.
"But losing that match could well prove a blessing. It never hurts for us to have a kick up the backside and hopefully the French will feel the backlash from that.
"We, the players, are the biggest critics of England and know what needs to be done to get things right on Saturday.
"Again there will be a lot of people playing for the first time and trying to prove themselves. But when better to do it than at Twickenham."
England's game against France kicks off on Saturday at 1800 BST.
MMIX
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Losing that match could well prove a blessing. It never hurts for us to have a kick up the backside 
