Saints scrum-half Dickson warns rivals he aims to hold on to England shirt

Dickson was given a start in the 20-13 win against Australia last weekend, but was replaced by Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs 15 minutes into the second half.

Youngs’ performance has drawn praise from Red Rose boss Stuart Lancaster, while another contender for the role, Danny Care, impressed in Harlequins’ win at Leicester on Saturday.

But current incumbent Dickson, who has been winning his duel with Kahn Fotuali’i for a starting role at Saints this season, isn’t ready to relinquish his England spot for this weekend’s clash with Argentina.

“Hopefully I’ll be involved in the next two games and then go back to the Saints, so it’s building for me,” said Dickson.

“I love playing rugby. I’ve waited a long time to get back on that pitch for England and I’m not going to let it go lightly.

“After this (the November international series) has gone, it’s about the Saints and me and Kahn will go for it again there.”

Dickson revelled in his 10th Test cap last weekend, especially with the England pack performing so well.

The big men got on top of Australia and it was a familiar experience for the Saints man.

“The Saints pack is awesome and then with the England pack you’ve got the best forwards in England,” said Dickson, whose club-mates Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood and Dylan Hartley also got some game time against the Wallabies.

“They’re very good at handling the ball and they go forward as well. We’ve got a few of our boys in there as well, which is even better.

“Stuart (Lancaster) said to me all along that you’re going to be judged on form in the Premiership and Saints have been doing well.

“I’ve been lucky to be behind that amazing pack and I’ve taken it into this.

“He said ‘you’ve been picked on form, go out there and do what you do for Northampton’ and I’ve done that.”