Saints star Myler desperate to show what he can do for England

ENGLAND CALLING? - Stephen Myler would love the chance to show what he can in an England shirt

The 30-year-old is hoping to get the opportunity to impress national boss Stuart Lancaster in the No.10 shirt, though there is fierce competition to wear the jersey in the upcoming autumn internationals.

Owen Farrell has been first choice for the role but the Saracens player has been hampered by injuries this year, the most recent of them a thigh strain.

Bath’s George Ford, Freddie Burns of Leicester and Sale Sharks’ Danny Cipriani are also contenders, but Myler - who helped Saints claim the Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup crowns last season - is desperate to add to his solitary cap.

“I’m craving the opportunity. Once you get that opportunity it’s up to you, but that’s all I want,” he said.

“I’m not sure what’s going on in the minds of the selectors, but I’m just playing the best rugby I can for my club.

“There are a few players who have been doing well in my position. That’s good from a national point of view, but also personally because to be in contention you have to play the best you can.

“My aim is to play the best I can for Northampton and see where that takes me.”

Lancaster names his squad for the Tests against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia on October 22, with the games crucial in allowing him to continue preparations for next year’s World Cup on home soil.

As well as considering his many options at fly-half, the England head coach also has to work out his midfield partnership, particularly over who will start at inside centre.

Luther Burrell used his speed and power to score Northampton’s only try in Saturday’s hard-fought Premiership win over London Irish at the Madejski Stadium, and Myler is full of praise for his club colleague.

“Luther has a lot of positive attributes and he’s always trying to improve,” Myler said. “Luther is a very physically capable man with good speed and good strength.

“He’s deceptively quick. You wouldn’t say that his main attribute, but he can move for a big man, so it’s nice having him in the team.”