Saturday 29 August 2015 10:40, UK
Ben Morgan says the intensity of England's training camps have prepared him for the World Cup despite only playing 40 minutes in the warm-ups.
Morgan was one of England's outstanding forwards during the Test series last autumn, only to be sidelined for eight months following a serious leg fracture.
During that time 37-year-old Nick Easter launched a serious challenge for inclusion in Stuart Lancaster's squad, demonstrating the experience, leadership and rugby nous that many feel is missing from the England squad.
However, Morgan returned to action with 40 minutes in the 19-14 victory over France two weeks ago and has done enough in training to get the nod ahead of the Harlequins veteran.
"We train pretty physically and train at a tempo that is probably higher than some of our games," Morgan told Sky Sports.
"I have a lot of training under my belt and I feel really confident with how I have gone. Mentally that was a big one to get over so I was really pleased with how that happened.
"I am just looking to get back to the form I was in in the autumn. Like I said, the way we train has been pretty intense and physical so I have had plenty of tests.
"I have never let any doubt get in the way and have been prepared to do everything to put myself in the position to be here.
"Thankfully that work has paid off."
Unlucky Easter
Former England flanker Pat Sanderson argues Easter can feel aggrieved for losing out to Morgan but says he does not fit the mould Lancaster wants from a No 8.
"On form and with Morgan carrying his injury you may say that it is not the right call but you have to look at what Lancaster wants from his No 8," said Sanderson.
"He wants a big, fast athletic No 8 who is going to make the gain line every time and Nick Easter is not really that man anymore.
"He is vastly experienced, in great form and has never ever let England down. He should be aggrieved from that perspective but with Morgan and Billy Vunipola he has two very interchangeable No 8's.
"They have dovetailed beautifully for England over the years and whoever has come off the bench has added to the momentum of the game. I think Lancaster has looked at that past experience and what he has seen over the Six Nations."
Sanderson, who won 16 caps for England, believes Lancaster's side have a good chance for glory in the World Cup, which kicks off on September 18, but says that their success will not be defined by lifting the Webb Ellis trophy.
"New Zealand are clear favourites but the England squad will be focused on winning the tournament and will believe that they can. The expectation rightly should be that we get to the final and if you make the final than there is every chance that England can win it.
"But winning it does not define success – Lancaster has brought this squad culturally a very long way, we now have to see if he has taken them along technically as well. I am really excited and believe that there is a real chance."
