Marler is back because he wants to hold trophy

Beppu – England prop Joe Marler said his belief in the team’s potential to become world champions had fuelled his decision to come out of international retirement.

When Marler quit the Test arena late in 2018, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family, the Harlequins front-row appeared to have no regrets and seemed at ease with his decision.

But with Mako Vunipola struggling with injuries, the experienced Marler answered the call from England coach Eddie Jones and came out of retirement earlier this year ahead of the World Cup.

The 29-year-old, a veteran of 65 Tests, is now set to be involved in England’s quarterfinal against old rivals Australia in Oita on Saturday.

“I want to be part of a squad that wins the World Cup,” said Marler.

“That was part of the reason I came out of retirement. I could see the potential in this group and I wanted a taste of that.”

Marler was involved when Australia condemned hosts England to a pool-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup with an emphatic 33-13 Twickenham triumph.

Marler is confident he will be fully fit for Saturday’s crunch match after recovering from the back injury he sustained in the bonus-point win over Argentina, with England’s final group game against France cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis.

“I did the injury when I attempted to sprint, which is not like me, and I got a little tweak,” Marler said.

“That is not a lie or attempt to be funny.

“What I often do is just concentrate on pushing and then plodding.”

He added: “But when a scrumhalf tried to make a break, even though we were 25 points up, I decided to try and chase him down.

“That was ridiculous and it’s not going to happen again. I’ll stick with plodding,” he grinned. –