Borthwick led Sarries to the play-off finals last season

Steve Borthwick says he will prove he is worthy of a recall to Martin Johnson's England side with his performances for Saracens.

The club captain, 30, was dropped from the nation's elite player squad in the summer but vows to force his way back in with his Aviva Premiership showings.

"I want to be in the England team and the best way of fighting for that is playing well for Saracens," he said.

"What happens with England is up to Martin and his selectors team."

He added: "I want to play well for Saracens and hopefully win plenty of games."

But the lock will not make his side's season-opener with London Irish at Twickenham on Saturday after tearing a thigh muscle in pre-season.

London Irish are going to be right there in the mix come the end of the season Saracens captain Steve Borthwick

"It's nothing major, but I'll be back on the field very soon," he said.

Sarries will be the away side against Irish as they kick-off a London double-header at the national rugby stadium, with Wasps taking on Harlequins later in the day.

"We're really excited about it, we know London Irish are a really good side," Borthwick added.

"They're going to be one of the big competitors, right there in the mix come the end of the season.

"They're full of quality players and we know it's a big challenge."

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