Earl hopes his patience pays off

BEN Earl has been drawing on the experience of Saracens team-mate Jamie George as he waits patiently to make his first England start.

All six of Earl’s caps have been won off the bench where he has been a fixture since England’s last defeat, against France in February, with Eddie Jones seeing his value as a versatile replacement capable of covering the back row, centre and even wing.

Blocking his path into the starting XV are outstanding flankers Tom Curry and Sam Underhill and number eight Billy Vunipola, while behind him he is fending off pressure from Jack Willis and Lewis Ludlam.

It is a scenario well known to George, whose first 19 England appearances were as a substitute due to Jones’ preference for captain Dylan Hartley at hooker. His wait lasted two years during which time he had even made three Test starts for the Lions.

“I’m well aware that I haven’t started a Test match yet and it’s something that I’ve got a burning desire to do so fingers crossed it’s not far around the corner,” said Earl, who is currently on loan at Bristol. “I have spoken to Jamie a lot about it. He’s a close friend of mine and he’s been brilliant with me.

“The way Jamie sees it is that you’ve got to get excited about the job that you’re doing at the moment. I know my job and Eddie makes that very clear when I’m on the bench.

“I guess I’ve just got to get excited about that job and as long as I keep playing well that’s all I can really do.

“It’s not something that I’m massively frustrated with. You’d be frustrated if people weren’t playing as well as yourself and getting a chance, but everyone’s playing fantastically well.

“They’ve all got a great past with England, whether that’s at the World Cup or before that, so I know there’s a lot of work to do and I know it doesn’t just get given to you.

“Defensively you look at Sam Underhill and his combativeness. Tom Curry as well. That’s the level I need to get to.”