Saracens centre Alex Lozowski says he never gave up hope of an England recall after returning to the fold for the first time in six years.
The 31-year-old last played for England in November 2018, but is part of Steve Borthwick’s 36-man squad for the upcoming autumn internationals.
With Henry Slade touch-and-go after shoulder surgery, Lozowski is in contention to feature against New Zealand on 2 November.
“I am determined this time around to enjoy it – I really mean it,” he told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
“Back in 2018 I was a younger player, more inexperienced, and I put myself under a lot of pressure potentially, and maybe I found it hard to actually really enjoy being in the England rugby team.
“You really should be trying to make the most of it if you can. Before I let that not happen, but I am determined this time – however long it is for – to come in with a smile on my face.”
Lozowski won five caps under former head coach Eddie Jones, making his debut in Argentina in 2017, but found himself jettisoned from the set-up following England’s erratic first-half performance against Japan in the autumn of 2018.
“It was probably the one game if I could have another crack at and do it again then I would,” Lozowski admitted.
“But a lot of things happened that day and I don’t think it was all my fault necessarily. Obviously I paid a heavy price for the way it went in the first half, but that’s a long time ago and I’m looking forward now.
“Initially I was pretty negative about it and carried it around with me, and thought I was not good enough. But since then England have had some excellent players in my position.
“I was – and am – up against excellent players. Just because you are not playing for England every week doesn’t mean you are no good. It’s just a high level and very competitive.”
With Borthwick replacing Jones at the end of 2022, Lozowski’s hopes of forcing himself back into the England reckoning were dashed by a serious knee injury in November 2023, ruling him out for the bulk of last season.
However, he returned at the back end of the campaign before starring for Sarries over the first five rounds of the Premiership.
“I never gave up [on a recall]. I kept doing my best and wanting to play my best to give myself a chance. Funny things happen in sport and in rugby,” he said.
“I’m just really loving being here. There are a lot of guys who I was in the squad with six years ago, and a lot of young guys who I am just getting to know.”