Saints star Burrell to show England bosses what he’s made of

ENGLAND BID - Luther Burrell (Picture: Kelly Cooper)

Burrell and his club-mates face crunch clashes in the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup at the start of the new year.

Harlequins are first up at Franklin’s Gardens this Friday before a trip to Ospreys and a home game against Castres.

Saints and Burrell finished 2013 with aplomb, beating Leinster, Wasps and, last Saturday, Bath.

And the centre will look to continue that fine form as he aims to place himself in pole position for an England starting spot come the Six Nations opener against France on February 1.

Stuart Lancaster names his EPS squad on January 9, but Burrell is refusing to place too much emphasis on international matters, instead preferring to focus on Saints’ aspirations.

“I’m trying not to really think about that (an England call-up),” said the 26-year-old. “It’s a big five weeks for the club.

“We’ve got Harlequins this week and then we’re back into Heineken Cup rugby. They’re the games I’m going to have to show Stuart and the coaches why I should be selected in the EPS squad.

“I don’t really want to think too much about that and put too much pressure on myself.”